Category: 2006

“Victory” Gets the Top Spot

Craig / / 2006, Honors, Victory

The June 17, 2006 issue of The Cleveland Plain Dealer contains some movie recommendations for soccer fans. Although made 25 years ago, “Victory” gets the top spot beating out “Shaolin Soccer”, “Bend It Like Beckham” and every other soccer movie ever made.

“Victory”: John Huston‘s 1981 yarn about POWs going toe-to-toe with Nazis is one of the few soccer movies to come out of Hollywood. During filming, Sylvester Stallone fired his trainer, British goalie Gordon Banks. He thought goalkeeping was easy — until he dislocated a shoulder and broke two ribs trying to do it during filming.

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

Sly and Butkus!

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Rocky

Sly will be featured in a new book titled Men & Dogs: A Personal History From Bogart to Bowie by Judith Watt and Peter Dyer. The book features photos and anecdotes from 80 of the world’s “most famous and fascinating men” from all walks of life, past and present are included. Sylvester Stallone, George Armstrong Custer, Muhammad Ali, Clint Eastwood, Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, Bob Hope, Ian Fleming, Truman Capote, and Paul McCartney are just a some of the men included.

Here’s some of Sly’s entry: – Sylvester Stallone, cuddling with his briard (1994): A nearly broke Stallone was on the verge of giving away his longtime friend Butkus, a bull mastiff, when he sold the script for “Rocky.” Butkus not only got to stay, Sly even cast him in the movie. The actor continues to keep dogs, as does his mother, who claims that dogs “have clairvoyant powers. They predicted George W. Bush’s election victories in 2000 and 2004.“

For more on the book, click HERE. – Craig

Lincoln Hawk an “All-Time” Best Dad!

Craig / / 2006, Over the Top

On June 16, 2006, in honor of Father’s Day the Richmond.com had some of their staff writers post their lists of The All-Time Best Dads. Although most of the winners selected were done so, with tongue-in-cheek, Lincoln Hawk was one of the top picks. Considering that “Over the Top” was made nearly 20 years ago… hey, it’s just nice that someone remembered. Here’s what they had to say:

Lincoln Hawk: Otherwise known as Sly Stallone‘s character from “Over the Top,” Hawk showed his son that all problems could be solved through competitive arm wrestling. Thumb wars work too.

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

A Brief Word with Sly

Craig / / 2006, Rocky

The June 15, 2006 issue of The Las Vegas Sun posted John Katsilometes‘ brief interview with Sly who was in town to accept his award at the CineVegas film festival. As he was heading down the red carpet for a special screening of “Rocky”, Sly said,”The story of ‘Rocky’ is that everyone, no matter what walk of life you are from, wants a shot at the golden ring – to fail or succeed, but to have a chance to prove themselves based on their own abilities.”

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

“Rocky” Honored Again!

Craig / / 2006, Honors, Rocky

On June 14, 2006 the American Film Institute announced it’s list of the 100 most inspirational films of all time. The announcement was made in conjunction with AFI’s 100 Years…100 Cheers special aired on CBS. A jury composed of 1,500 film artists, critics and historians made the selections.

“Rocky” came in at #4!

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

PS – You can also read about it HERE. Thanks to Wes Bennett for the tip!

The Contender in Entertainment Weekly

Craig / / 2006, The Contender, TV

The June 9, 2006 issue of Entertainment Weekly looks at “67 Shows You Can’t Miss.” Here’s a few quotes about The Contender:

* NBC is a very wide audience; ESPN is a sports audience.

* It’s probably the correct home for The Contender.

* They are without the hosting skills of Sylvester Stallone, who was busy filming Rocky Balboa (the actor will stay on as exec producer).

* That emotion is, of course, compounded by observing the boxers’ parents, wives and children sit ringside as they they fight – a concept that comes from the master himself. “Stallone advised me correctly,” says (Mark) Burnett, “that Adrian was the key element in Rocky.”

* These kids are noble warriors.

The Contender returns July 18th at 10pm on ESPN – Craig

MGM is in the SZONE! An Update of Sorts…

Craig / / 2006, Rocky Balboa, Sly Fan

Two weeks ago I received an e-mail from a representative from Sylvester Stallone‘s office. This led to some phone calls where I was told that Sly was very much aware of the dedication and job that I had done over the past ten years in creating and running the StalloneZone. I was also told that Sly appreciates the positive atmosphere, excitement and support shown by SZoners.

Those e-mails and phone calls led to discussions with a rep from MGM about how the SZ could become involved in the promotion of “Rocky Balboa“.

Longtime SZoners will remember the contests that we ran to help promote “Driven”and so I assumed that we could do some things along those lines… and maybe on an even bigger scale.

Interestingly enough, about the same time that all of this was going on, I received e-mails and photos from Sage Stallone.

This led some folks on the message boards to post or even e-mail me about “my connections” and how I could use them to benefit “us.” I started to receive business offers, people requesting autographs, money, asking that I forward scripts to Sly, that I try to get a private screening of Rocky Balboa with Sly for SZoners…

Whew! Someone, please stop the madness!

I’m not sure what role the SZ will play in the official promotion of “Rocky Balboa“. At the very least things will continue as they have for the last ten years — being the best fan site possible.

December 22, 2006 will be here before we know it. In the mean time, let’s continue to get the word out that Rocky is Back.

See you on the message boards!

– Craig Zablo

 

Sly’s Birthday Bash

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Planet Hollywood

This photo provided by Planet Hollywood Resort & Casinoshows Planet Hollywood founders Bruce Willis, left, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, second left, and Sylvester Stallone, posing with John Travolta to celebrate Sly’s 60th birthday Sunday, June 4, 2006, at his soon-to-open property, the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Denise Truscello)
 

Jennifer Flavin-Stallone surprised Sly with an early birthday bash at the soon to open Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In addition to Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Travolta, others in attendance included James Caan, David Spade, Tom Jones [who sang] and many others. Although Sly‘s birthday isn’t until next month, Jennifer wanted to surprise Sly! The celebration was covered on Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. You can read more about it here, here, here, here and just about anywhere you turn on the net.