Category: Rocky

On April 29, 2010, Mike Gorman listed in his weekly column his choices for the Top Ten Movies Series.  Coming in at # 9 [Number 9?  And how did Rambo not make the cut?] is the Rocky series.  Here’s what Gorman had to say:

Sure, sometimes the Rocky films lose sight of their core ideals and veer off in strange directions that involve obnoxious robot butlers and training in a cabin in the Russian wastelands, but all it takes is that bell to clang in the ring and they have our attention again. The story of Rocky Balboa’s rise to stardom in the boxing world was iconic and Sylvester Stallone carried on his shoulders the hopes and dreams of a nation that had seen brighter days. Rocky, in all of his battles, reminds you that the underdog can reign victorious in the end and also that sometimes those victories can be too much, and take you away from your roots. Sounds like I am all over the place when it comes to this franchise and it is true. I believe the greatest thing about the Rocky series is the journey that we have taken with the characters, from rags to riches and back again. This is what a truly successful series about to me.

To see the full list click here.

On March 7, 2010, Ron Kantowski of the Las Vegas Review-Journal posted his choice for The Top 10 Inspirational Movies.  Coming in at #1, you guessed it, Rocky.

NO. 1: “ROCKY” (1976) — In the immortal words of Rocky Balboa, this Academy Award winner for best picture “fills gaps” in the pantheon of exemplary sports movies and became the model upon which all inspirational imitators are based. Yo, Adrian: When they cue that powerful “Rocky” music, you’re gonna eat lightning and … well, you remember what his trainer, Mickey, said.

On March 7, 2010, NewsOfTheWorld.co.uk wrote an nice profile piece on the city of Philadelphia.  The article says that although the Declaration of Independence was written in Philadelphia, as was the U.S. Constitution, and Philadelphia was the home of Benjamin Franklin and has of one of America’s largest museums of art, it is Rocky that made the city famous.

It’s hard to argue with the facts.  To read the complete article “Rocky’s City Really Packs a Punch” click here.

MarketWatch.com listed 10 Oscar Movies You Must Have in Your DVD Collection.  Rocky made the list at #6 and here is what they had to say:

“Rocky” is the only film to make both Hunt’s and Galbraith’s 10-best lists. “It’s just a very human story,” Hunt said. “It proves that you can tell a really great story about a guy who just wants to go 10 rounds with the champ.”

“It’s funny to think about it now, but back in 1976 when this was first released serious film critics regarded Sylvester Stallone’s performance to be on a level with Marlon Brando at his peak, from the time of ‘On the Waterfront’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,'” Galbraith said.

You can read the full article here.

Stephen Ripley yesterday in the Chatham Daily News noted that…

in 81 years only 10 sports-themed films (12 if you consider horse racing and billiards to be sports) have been nominated for best picture…

Mr. Ripley went on to rate them and Rocky came in at #2.  Here’s what he had to say:

2. Rocky (1976)

After five sequels, it’s easy to forget what a great film the original Rocky was when it hit theatres in 1976. The tale of a journeyman boxer who makes the most of his shot at the title was written by struggling actor Sylvester Stallone, who also starred in the title role. The film received 10 noms, earning the judges’ decision for best picture, best director and best editing.

The Patriot-Ledger also posted their own Oscar & Sports Article. Rocky , Sly, Talia Shire, and Burgess Meredith all got nods…

• Best film –The nominees are A League of Their Own, Brian’s Song, Chariots of Fire, Fever Pitch, Hoosiers, Million Dollar Baby, Raging Bull, Remember the Titans, Rocky, and The Natural.    The winner: Fever Pitch…  [He’s a Red Sox fan, what can I say?]
  

• Best actor in a leading role – The nominees are Kevin Costner (Bull Durham), Robert DeNiro (Raging Bull), Robert Redford (The Natural), Sylvester Stallone (Rocky), and Denzel Washington (Remember the Titans).  The winner: Robert DeNiro…
• Best actress in a leading role – The nominees are Kim Basinger (The Natural), Geena Davis (A League of Their Own), Amy Madigan (Field of Dreams), Susan Sarandon (Bull Durham), and Talia Shire (Rocky).  The winner: Kim Basinger…
  
• Best supporting actor – The nominees are Burgess Meredith (Rocky), Bill Murray (Caddyshack), Joe Pesci (Raging Bull), Tim Robbins (Bull Durham), and Wesley Snipes (Major League). The winner: Burgess Meredith. His portrayal of the crusty trainer, Mick, is rivaled only by his riveting performance as The Penguin.