Category: Rocky

Rocky Statue Documentary

Craig / / 2009, Rocky

Hey SZoners,

I just received word from Cynthia Shomberg about some exciting news that could put lucky SZoners in a documentary film about the famous Tom Shomberg statue that appeared in “Rocky III.” Here’s the deal:

An Urgent Call To All ROCKY Sculpture Collectors… If you have a personal story as to why ROCKY means so much to you, please send in  your story to schombergstudios@att.net.   Tom Schomberg, the sculptor
of the original statue, would greatly appreciate receiving comments for a possible film documentary that is being done on the history of the ROCKY statue.   One of the major issues that will be talked about will
be how the symbolic ROCKY affected people at a critical point in their lives.   Your assistance will be highly appreciated and of great value in the documentary.  Any photos you could send along would also be appreciated.

Please also note whether or not you would like to be kept anonymous and this will be honored.  Thank you in advance for you assistance.

Over the years I’ve heard from SZoners about how the statue has provided them a source of inspiration.  Now is the chance for the world to possibly hear your story.  Send ’em in SZoners!  The e-mail again is schombergstudios@att.net.

“Victory” for “Rocky”

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky, Victory

On April 17, 2009, The National Post listed their choices for the Top Ten Sports Movies of All Time. Any guesses who had two films make the list?  That’s right, Sly.  “Victory” came in at number 8 and “Rocky” was #1.  Here’s what they had to say about each film:

8. Victory!

Pele and Sylvester Stallone in the same movie? Count me in, though what I mostly remember about this is trying to watch it on HBO with my father as his snoring pretty much drowned out everything that either men said.

1. Rocky

His whole life was a million to one shot. This movie was so good that they tried making it a million more times. I heard Stallone wrote nearly 100 drafts of the original Rocky script. There’s a reason it one best picture, I guess.

You can read the who article by clicking here.

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.

“Rocky” Essential Viewing

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky

Starting on March 7th, once a week, Alec Baldwin will join TCM’s Robert Osborne to introduce classic movies that every film buff should see.  The series is called “The Essentials.” On March 14th, the movie classic that will be shown is “Rocky” and here are some “fun facts” that the web site lists:

MARCH 14  Rocky (1976)
Inspired by the 1975 championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Weber, Sylvester Stallone wrote the Rocky screenplay.  It was the second highest-grossing film of 1977, behind Star Wars.  Robert Redford, James Caan and Burt Reynolds were considered for the role of “Rocky,” but Stallone refused to sell the rights to the film unless he was the lead.  Bette Midler was offered the role of “Adrian” but turned it down.

You can read the entire piece which includes a mini-interview with Alec Baldwin and the entire year’s listing of the classic movies that they’ll introduce simply by clicking here.

Rocky & Philly

Craig / / 2009, Rocky

On February 9, 2009, Mercury News.com posted “Let Freedom Ring: See Philadelphia on a Budget.” They ran the photo above with tips on what to see in the city without spending a fortune.  Of course, this included places made famous by Sly/Rocky.  You can read the whole piece here.

“Rocky” Honored Again

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky

Former Lightweight boxing champ, Sean O’Grady, was interviewed recently by Ring Sports.  When asked what is his favorite book or movie about boxing replied:

Sly Stallone did a wonderful job on the Rocky Movies. My favorite one is the first. He was terrific and did a great job presenting the struggles. The first Rocky had so much depth to it. Great!

Who can argue with the champ?  You can read the full interview here.

Rocky Chosen Best Again

Craig / / 2009, Honors, Rocky


On December 31, 2008, EJ Claudio at BleacherReport.com listed his choices for The Top Five Boxing Movies of All Time.  His number one choice was “Rocky” which beat out “Raging Bull,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Cinderella Man” and every other boxing movie ever made.  Here’s what he had to say:

1. Rocky

Sylvester Stallone will always be remembered because of this film. It was a very good movie that connected with the audience. It is about Rocky Balboa, a not-so-smart boxer with limited skills who rose to fame by winning the hearts of many when he overcame the odds and put on a good fight against the champion, Appollo Creed.

Rocky Scores Again

Craig / / 2008, Rocky
On December 19, 2008, AskMen.com reviewed “Rocky” and gave it an overall 98% rating. Even more impressive is that AskMen readers rated it with a 99% rating. Here are a few quotes:

(Rocky is)… the ultimate male icon who represents, in a completely unassuming manner, values that are dear to every man such as standing up for your girl and doing your best regardless of the circumstances.

Rocky won’t just move you; it’ll lift your spirit.

You can read the whole review here. – Craig

Superfan from France

Craig / / 2008, Rocky
SZoner, M. Christopher Paquereau sent in these photos taken when Sly was in France for the promotion of “Rocky Balboa.”

Chris got an autographed photo!

And Sly even posed for a picture!

Here is Christopher’s display case full of Sly Stallone memorabilia including a title belt and Rocky statue! [Rocky collector statues are still available from A. Thomas Schomberg — the artist who created the original statue for “Rocky III” — and if you order now, you can get one at the special holiday rate!] Thanks to Chris for sharing his photos! – Craig