Rocky Balboa IS the American Spirit

In honor of Independence Day, Cinema Blend posted their choices for the Ten Movie Heroes Who Make Us Proud to be Americans.  Making the list were:

  • Scarlett (Gone with the Wind) O’Hara
  • President James (Air Force One) Marshall
  • Captain John H. (Saving Private Ryan) Miller
  • John (Die Hard series) McClane
  • Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird) Finch
  • Jason (The Bourne trilogy) Bourne
  • Will (High Noon) Kane
  • Sarah (Terminator series) Connor
  • Bryan (Taken) Mills
  • Rocky (Rocky series) Balboa

Here’s some of what they had to say about Rocky…

Everyone loves an underdog, and that’s the reason why Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa is such a great character

Balboa is a hero because of the inspiration he provides,

Rocky Balboa IS the American spirit.

Click here to read the full piece.

“Rocky” Rated Top Film Franchise

On June 22, 2010, We Are Movie Geeks.com posted their selections for the Top Ten Film FranchisesBack to the Future; Planet of the Apes; Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter; Rocky; Alien(s); Lord of the Rings; James Bond; The Godfather and Star Wars all made the list. Here’s some of what they had to say about the Rocky series:

…you cannot dismiss the genius of the character of Rocky Balboa.

Rocky was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay that Stallone wrote, and won 3, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Rocky stole the heart of America and reminded us why we should always root for the underdog.

You can read the entire post by clicking here.

The “Rocky” Series Most Inspiring!

On May 2, 2010, PasteMagazine.com posted their list of the Five Inspiring Movie Montages.  Of course the Rocky series had to be represented… and what better way than to include ALL of the Rocky movies.  Here’s what they had to say:

5. All the Rocky movies
Each Rocky movie could honestly have occupied a slot on this list—if you’re watching one, you’re eventually going to see Sylvester Stallone pulling a cart through the snow, or doing one-armed pullups on a Philly playground, or doing wind sprints down a beach with Carl Weathers. Eye of the tiger, baby.

To see the full list as well as the montages for the movies, click here.

Rocky: The Ultimate Guide

Here’s a StalloneZone Exclusive first look at a book that all Sly and Rocky fans will want to own – Rocky: The Ultimate Guide. Jam-packed with over 1,000 stills and digitally remastered photos bringing together moments from the original “Rocky” through the first five films as well as details on the final installment, “Rocky Balboa.”

To Pre-Order the Hardback click HERE

Paperback Orders can click HERE

– Craig

Sly in USA Weekend

The January 13 – 15, 2006 issue of USA Weekend’s “Who’s News” section featured the following item about Sly:

Q: I hear that there is going to be a sixth Rocky movie. Details, please.
– Angel Marie Moll
Bellingham, Mass.

It won’t be out until 2007, but filming started last month and will continue with shoots in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In this movie, the retired Rocky (Sylvester Stallone, who turns 60 this year) is lured back to the ring for one last fight. Titled “Rocky Balboa,” it is written and directed by Stallone, who was Oscar-nominated for writing and starring in the original 1976 film.


A different pic runs with the question. – Craig

Sly Drawing 4th Blood?

Robert Sanchez from The Movie Reporter.com posted this on January 6th:

Sly Stallone and his brother Frank showed up at last nights VW shindig and we had to ask what was going on with these two [Rocky and RamboCraig] long rumored projects. To my surprise Stallone mentioned that he had meetings that same day regarding Rambo and that both projects are in the works.

For the full report click HERE.

Thanks to Jamie Eade for the tip! – Craig

ROCKY VI: Filming Starts in December!

Although rumored for years, most people thought that Sly would never return to the big screen in the role that made him a worldwide megastar.

The odds were against the original Rocky being made and were probably even greater to get the latest installment to the big screen. But Sly has done it.

Rocky VI starts filming in December.

  • Craig

Men.com Premiere Issue: Sly and Rocky VI

Sly is featured on the cover of the premiere edition of Men.Com magazine which made its debut on Monday, September 19th. Not only was Sly on the cover but the feature story was an “exclusive sneak peak preview” of what to expect in “Rocky VI.” Here’s a some of what the press release had to say:

“There”s no one who”s more of a “man”s man” than Sly,” said Phil KearneyChief Marketing Officer for Group2, LLC. “Rocky is an American icon, the American dream brought to life. As a regular contributor to Men.Com MagazineSly will bring not only his unique and extensive experience in the areas of physical training, but will share his personal perspective on fighting the battle against getting older. His real-life experiences eclipse anything that”s been produced in HollywoodSly is an outstanding example of the value of taking care of yourself – he”s on everyone”s “Ten Most Fit” list.”

Sly has starred in more than 40 movies including the “Rambo” and “Rocky” Series, “Copland,” “Judge Dredd,” “Rhinestone,” “Tango & Cash,” “Cobra,” “Cliffhanger,” “The Good Life,” “The Specialist,” “Demolition Man” and “The Lords of Flatbush,” among others. He is an acclaimed writer, producer and director, the editor of “Sly” – a men”s lifestyle and fitness magazine – and has developed his own brand of successful nutritional supplements.

Sly is a significant figure in the minds of men everywhere,” Kearney said. “His association with Men.Com Magazine is a further step we”ve taken to make the magazine stand-out from the crowd and to provide our readers with unique, significant and relevant editorial that will impact their lives.”

Craig