Category: Rocky Balboa

Rocky Stands Tall in Serbia

Craig / / 2009, Rocky Balboa

There’s a touching little article at CaliforniaChronicle.com that ran on August 24, 2009.  It concerns a poor little hamlet in Serbia where the town folk decided to erect a statue of Rocky Balboa in tribute to the ultimate underdog. 

Film maker Barry Avrich went to the village and planned to make a “Borat”-style documentary making fun of the whole thing.  However, once he arrived he was moved by how sincere the villagers were.   The statue was made of cement because they couldn’t afford bronze.  Avrich’s film took a whole new direction.  He was even able to interview Sylvester Stallone who in turn was so moved by the villagers that he taped a special message that played for the huge crowds that turned out during the three day celebration leading up to the unveiling of the statue.  Barry Avrich’s documentary, “American Idol” is now on the festival circuit and has qualified for the Oscars.

To read the full article, click here.

“Rocky” The Undisputed Collection

Craig / / 2009, Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, Rocky 5, Rocky Balboa

The HDRoom.com has announced that on November 3rd, a seven disc collection of all of the “Rocky” movies will be released on Blu-ray.  Amazon.com has the collection listed at 30% off for pre-orders.  Hopefully this will be the definitve collection that all fans have requested.  As more information on the extras becomes available, we’ll post the information.

“Rocky Balboa” Makes the List

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky Balboa

“Rocky Balboa” made the list of the TOP 15 FILMS of the NEW MILLENNIUM over at the Big Hollwood site.  Here’s what they had to say about “Rocky Balboa”:

“Rocky Balboa” might not be better written, photographed or acted than any number of films not on this list, but I’m going to watch it a helluva lot more, that’s for sure.   Who would have ever thought writer/director Sylvester Stallone could pull this off? But he did. And I love it more each time I see it.

I couldn’t agree more.  You can see the entire list by clicking here.

Why “Rocky Balboa” Works

Craig / / 2009, Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, Rocky 5, Rocky Balboa

On June 27, 2009, Christopher Crespo at the Orlando Movie Examiner posted an article titled “Why Rocky Balboa Works Where the Other Rocky Sequels Failed”.  Crespo actually has some good things to say about “Rocky II” and “Rocky III” but focuses his attention on how “Rocky Balboa” (like the original “Rocky”) mirrors what was happening in Sly’s life and “Stallone (didn’t) pretend things (were) different from what they (were).” You can read the full piece by clicking here.

Antonio Tarver Sues

Craig / / 2009, Celebs, Rocky Balboa

Antonio Tarver, who played Mason Dixon in “Rocky Balboa”, has filed a lawsuit against  Rogue Marble Productions [Sly’s company], Columbia Pictures Industries, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Revolution Studios Distribution Co. with the claim that he has not been paid $1.5 million in bonuses owed him.  It is Tarver’s contention that he is owed six bonuses based upon the movie’s gross of a reported $191 million dollars.

Sly’s attorney, Marty Singer, counters that Antonio Tarver is not owed any money.  Singer explained to TMZ:

“On the first day of principal photography of ‘Rocky Balboa,’ Antonio Tarver, who had already reached an agreement for his appearance in the movie, refused to appear unless he received a back-end deal. He knew that if the production company did not cave in to his demands and give him a back-end deal, the motion picture would have to be shut down.

As such, Mr. Tarver received notice a few weeks ago that he had engaged in duress, among other claims, and that he had no right to receive any back-end on the motion picture due to his alleged duress.”

For more on this lawsuit check out:

Sly Battles for Bollywood

Craig / / 2009, Kambakkht Ishq, Rambo, Rocky, Rocky Balboa

The Times of India posted the photo above with a piece called “Sly Battles for Bollywood.” Kareena Kapoor, the female lead of the movie had this to say about Sly:

“He drove to the studio himself, without a bodyguard, valet, make-up person or anybody — and he carried his food basket and the papers — very cool and charming… As for that body — rock solid even at 60, and to die for!”

Sounds like Sly has another fan.  You can read the full article here.