SZoners Promote "Rocky Balboa"

SZoner, Ernest “Jazzman” Resendes sent in the picture above and the message below:
Hey guys,

A local paper just did a piece on our whole Vegas/Boston Q&A experience. Writer Rick Snizek was doing a story on a local musician who just happened to be my buddy Bob’s uncle. Bob mentioned the unbelievable RB experience and Rick immediately wanted to do a story.

Here’s the pic they used and some excerpts. The photo was taken at the end pf our last day on the set as we were leaving. Sly is between us in the far distance looking over fight footage with Frank and the crew.

BRUSH WITH FAME
City natives share screen time with Stallone By Rick Snizek
“We all have obstacles to overcome,” Resendes says, noting how much a labor of love the film, which took in more than $51 million at the box office in its first two weeks alone, was for Stallone. He made this picture on a comparatively shoestring budget of $24 million, with Hollywood uncertain of how Rocky Balboa’s saga would play to a new generation.

“It’s defied a lot of people’s expectations,” Resendes adds, feeling that Stallone’s intended soulful approach to living one’s life resonates with audiences young and old. In one scene in the movie, unfortunately one that did land on the cutting room floor, Resendes actually rushes out of his seat at the end of the bout thrusting both hands into the air in victory to congratulate the champ as he makes his way from the ring.

Although the pair came in very close proximity to Stallone during the filming, they didn’t get a chance to speak to him about their admiration for his work. But little did they know at the time that such an opportunity would present itself before the film would be released.

The experience was indeed a dream come true for Resendes and Manuels, one which they say has inspired them to push even harder to achieve their goals in life.

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Thanks to Jazz for sharing! – Craig

Craig’s Rocky Statue

Over the years I’ve picked up quite a few cool Stallone-related items for my personal collection. When I graduated college my wife bought me the LeRoy Neiman “Rocky” print. I have a personalized autographed picture from Sly. I have the rare Franklin Mint Rocky statue. I have original art from some of my favorite artists doing their take on Sly. Over the Christmas holiday I received a new addition to my collection that I’m still in awe of. It’s my A. Thomas Schomberg “Rocky” replica statue!

As most SZoners know, Mr. Schomberg was the artist who created the original Rocky statue that was used in “Rocky III.” Sly personally chose Mr. Schomberg after seeing [and purchasing] some of his work. Over the years Mr. Schomberg had been approached about releasing a Rocky collector statue, but the deals were never quite right. Mr. Schomberg wanted to insure two things: 1] That the statues were quality pieces and 2] There would be a version affordable by all fans! This past year everything came together… the 30th anniversary of “Rocky”Sly writing, directing and starring in the final chapter of “Rocky Balboa” and MGM teaming with Sly and Mr. Schomberg to release three versions of the Rocky statues… all of them quality pieces and one for every price range!

I couldn’t wait for mine to arrive. I was worried that it might get damaged in transit [but more importantly, I justed want to HAVE it!]. As you can see from the packaging, I shouldn’t have worried. It was securely packed, boxed, bagged and surrounded by styrofoam. It arrived in pristine condition.

And what a thing of beauty! The photos here [and on Mr. Schomberg’s website] really can’t do the statue justice. Perhaps it’s because the statue is so well done and the photo can’t truly capture the little details that the 3-dimensional sculpture has. Or maybe it’s the fact that the statue symbolizes everything that we admire in Rocky Balboa. Either way, I know that it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it and it will be the cornerstone of my collection for a long time to come.

Several SZoners said that they were planing to get a statue. If you did, please feel free to send me a photo and I’ll post it on the site. It’ll be interesting to see just how many places and how far Rocky has traveled around the world! And if you haven’t got yours yet, you still can. Just click HERE and tell ’em the SZ sent ya! – Craig

Craig’s Rocky Statue

Over the years I’ve picked up quite a few cool Stallone-related items for my personal collection. When I graduated college my wife bought me the LeRoy Neiman “Rocky” print. I have a personalized autographed picture from Sly. I have the rare Franklin Mint Rocky statue. I have original art from some of my favorite artists doing their take on Sly. Over the Christmas holiday I received a new addition to my collection that I’m still in awe of. It’s my A. Thomas Schomberg “Rocky” replica statue!

As most SZoners know, Mr. Schomberg was the artist who created the original Rocky statue that was used in “Rocky III.” Sly personally chose Mr. Schomberg after seeing [and purchasing] some of his work. Over the years Mr. Schomberg had been approached about releasing a Rocky collector statue, but the deals were never quite right. Mr. Schomberg wanted to insure two things: 1] That the statues were quality pieces and 2] There would be a version affordable by all fans! This past year everything came together… the 30th anniversary of “Rocky”Sly writing, directing and starring in the final chapter of “Rocky Balboa” and MGM teaming with Sly and Mr. Schomberg to release three versions of the Rocky statues… all of them quality pieces and one for every price range!

I couldn’t wait for mine to arrive. I was worried that it might get damaged in transit [but more importantly, I justed want to HAVE it!]. As you can see from the packaging, I shouldn’t have worried. It was securely packed, boxed, bagged and surrounded by styrofoam. It arrived in pristine condition.

And what a thing of beauty! The photos here [and on Mr. Schomberg’s website] really can’t do the statue justice. Perhaps it’s because the statue is so well done and the photo can’t truly capture the little details that the 3-dimensional sculpture has. Or maybe it’s the fact that the statue symbolizes everything that we admire in Rocky Balboa. Either way, I know that it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it and it will be the cornerstone of my collection for a long time to come.

Several SZoners said that they were planing to get a statue. If you did, please feel free to send me a photo and I’ll post it on the site. It’ll be interesting to see just how many places and how far Rocky has traveled around the world! And if you haven’t got yours yet, you still can. Just click HERE and tell ’em the SZ sent ya! – Craig

Craig’s Rocky Statue

Over the years I’ve picked up quite a few cool Stallone-related items for my personal collection. When I graduated college my wife bought me the LeRoy Neiman “Rocky” print. I have a personalized autographed picture from Sly. I have the rare Franklin Mint Rocky statue. I have original art from some of my favorite artists doing their take on Sly. Over the Christmas holiday I received a new addition to my collection that I’m still in awe of. It’s my A. Thomas Schomberg “Rocky” replica statue!

As most SZoners know, Mr. Schomberg was the artist who created the original Rocky statue that was used in “Rocky III.” Sly personally chose Mr. Schomberg after seeing [and purchasing] some of his work. Over the years Mr. Schomberg had been approached about releasing a Rocky collector statue, but the deals were never quite right. Mr. Schomberg wanted to insure two things: 1] That the statues were quality pieces and 2] There would be a version affordable by all fans! This past year everything came together… the 30th anniversary of “Rocky”Sly writing, directing and starring in the final chapter of “Rocky Balboa” and MGM teaming with Sly and Mr. Schomberg to release three versions of the Rocky statues… all of them quality pieces and one for every price range!

I couldn’t wait for mine to arrive. I was worried that it might get damaged in transit [but more importantly, I justed want to HAVE it!]. As you can see from the packaging, I shouldn’t have worried. It was securely packed, boxed, bagged and surrounded by styrofoam. It arrived in pristine condition.

And what a thing of beauty! The photos here [and on Mr. Schomberg’s website] really can’t do the statue justice. Perhaps it’s because the statue is so well done and the photo can’t truly capture the little details that the 3-dimensional sculpture has. Or maybe it’s the fact that the statue symbolizes everything that we admire in Rocky Balboa. Either way, I know that it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it and it will be the cornerstone of my collection for a long time to come.

Several SZoners said that they were planing to get a statue. If you did, please feel free to send me a photo and I’ll post it on the site. It’ll be interesting to see just how many places and how far Rocky has traveled around the world! And if you haven’t got yours yet, you still can. Just click HERE and tell ’em the SZ sent ya! – Craig

StalloneZone 2007

As we enter our eleventh year, I felt that it was time to “Take You Back.” When I first started the StalloneZone in 1996 it was a little site on America On-Line. Over the years the StalloneZone

It’s been a heck of a ride, with the last year being the wildest yet. Not only did Sly return to his roots and win his fight to bring “Rocky Balboa” back with the send-off we’ve always dreamed, but SZoners got a boost when I was contacted by Sly’s reps and MGM and asked to run the official Rocky Balboa Blog! We were given first looks, a contest and created connections with a ton of cool people. Sage and Frank Stallone provided us with some of their personal photos. SZoners from around the world came together at “Rocky Balboa” filmings in Las Vegas and Philly. More SZoners than ever came to the site. People, from around the world who would have otherwise never met, became friends. The StalloneZone community had never been stronger!

John Beatty agreed to assist me once again with a new look for the SZ. After his bang-up job on the official Rocky Balboa Blog, how could I turn him down.

So here we are… heading into year eleven with a new look and an old attitude. Sylvester Stallone is the man. Stallone fans are the greatest in the world. The best is yet to come.

– Craig Zablo has continued to grow and attract the best fans in the world.


PS – The SZ Forum will maintain links to the “old” SZ sections until the new pages are completed!

StalloneZone Exclusive: Frank Stallone Checks In!

Frank Stallone checked in with some candid photos that he took on the last day of shooting for “Rocky Balboa.” He also passed along this:

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Hey Craig : Enjoy these candid photos I took on the set. “Take You Back” is starting to get airplay and with the support of the loyal Rocky fans maybe I have a hit again. It will start online Dec 5th on Itunes and
all the other sites.  Take care Craig.

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As most SZoners know, Frank has been supportive of the StalloneZone for years. He’s one of the most talented and down-to-earth celebs you’d ever meet. I know that our support will mean a lot to Frank and send a strong message as to the popularity of “Rocky Balboa.” – Craig

Sly and Burt Young hug as the filming of “Rocky Balboa” ends.

The camera crew on the truck!

Frank and Punchy!

Thanks to Frank for sharing his photos and his continued support of the StalloneZone. I’m sure that SZoners around the world will begin requesting, downloading and purchasing “Take You Back” when it premieres on December 5th! – Craig