Rocky (1976)

Why it's here:
We had to watch Rocky.

Specs:
2 hours; rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:
7.5

More about the film and our reaction to it:
Rocky (much like Planet of the Apes or Jaws) was a very successful film, spawning a huge franchise which continued to make money by issuing numerous sequels of continually decreasing quality over the years. That franchise unfortunately had the effect of diluting the good name of the original (in each of these cases), and leaving a negative impression in the eyes of many people around my age who remember these films as a joke due to the piles of silly sequels.  But this is unfortunate indeed.

It should not be forgotten that the original Rocky (like Planet of the Apes or Jaws), was successful for a very key reason. It was fantastic! Rocky is an awesome film, full of heart and sweetness and great human drama. It should not be missed.

Rocky took the world by storm because it was so unexpected. Sylvester Stallone was an unknown; the film was made on the cheap, shot on location in Philadelphia and utilizing every production shortcut possible. It took years for Stallone to get his story made -- to get anyone to listen.  It was a good story; but it is Stallone's particular stamp and vision that turned this idea into iconic cinema.

Rocky is a tough thuggish man with a sweet side, who wishes to woo the very shy woman who lives in his neighborhood and works at the pet store. For unexpected reasons, he gets a chance to fight the National heavyweight champion. The film tells the story of this downtrodden guy turned athlete in a way that focuses on many quaint details of character rather than brut testosterone.  His relationship with his trainer, with the folks in his small sphere of influence, and his sweet romance make this a uniquely appealing story. The overcoming of obstacles never feels cliche, only exhilarating. In fact, the climax of the film comes not from the actual boxing battle at the end but from that iconic moment in his training when he ascends the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The is a great film for teens and preteens because (with a few off-color remarks) it is reasonably tame with respect to language, sexuality and violence. Overall it is much more youth appropriate than most modern PG to PG-13 films that deal with a sports theme.

Iconic image: