"Rocky" by John G. Avildsen: a review

The original movie, Rocky, was written and directed by Sylvester Stallone and made in 28 days. His life-long speech impediment worked perfectly in playing the uneducated, but likeable main character, Rocky Balboa. This film catapulted “Sly” into stardom and lead to five sequels.

In the film, because of the superior training of Rocky’s manager, Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), Rocky, who was a small time, part time boxer, gets a shot at the world title. During training, Rocky meets the sister of his best friend, Paulie Pennino (Burt Young). His sister Arian (Talia Shire) is a quiet pet store clerk who falls for Rocky.

When the heavyweight opponent is injured, the championship bout against undefeated Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) proceeds with Rocky, hoping to finish but not expecting to win. Amazingly, Rocky knocks down Apollo in the first round, and the fight turns brutal. The grueling fight continues the entire 15 rounds with Creed finally being announced the winner in a split decision.

After the fight, Rocky calls out for Adrian, “Yo, Adrian". She comes running down the aisle to him. They profess their love for each other, and thus, the movie ends happily even though Rocky lost.