It’s quite hard to believe, but the classic, the inspirational and the just plain terrific “Rocky” movie is 40 years old this year. Released just before Christmas, in early December of 1976, the film was an instant success and all these years later it’s still nothing but a treat to watch. There is just so much to enjoy from this, a relatively low budget, but highly moving piece of cinema. The film of course made a hero out of its star, Sylvester Stallone, but the supporting cast, the theme music, the realistic fight scenes and makeup, all share top billing.
The sequels that followed, beginning with “Rocky II” in 1979, range from very good to good, to good fun, but it is the original that holds a special place in the hearts of fans the world over. Critics may moan and groan about the film, claiming it is over the top and unrealistic (ever wondered if this criticism would exist had Sly and co stopped with “Rocky” and not made the subsequent six sequels; these films, as we know, getting more and more over the top, admittedly, but the original is not so implausible) – but the film is such a moving and convincing portrayal of a down on his luck, no-hope boxer making something of his life, that many, many (too many to count) real life fighters became what they became because of the message this film sends: that anyone, even a “bum from the neighborhood,” can make it.
Why there is any hate for this movie I will never know. It is, after all, a joyous celebration of the underdog – and there sure are many (maybe too many) of these around today. And for the precious film critics that slated and continue to slate this marvelous film, remember this; no less than Frank Capra, director of arguably the most moving film in American history, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” said back in the 1970s how he so wished he had made “Rocky.”
Today, it is commonplace for writers to refer to an honest, if limited pug as “a real life Rocky Balboa.” Many fighters have laced ’em up and fought with all they had (even if it wasn’t all that much in terms of natural skill) , using Stallone’s creation as motivation and as proof that anyone can make it if they refuse to call it quits and instead “keep moving forward” (from the great comeback film, “Rocky Balboa,” a film the critics laid into even before it’s release; then having to have a change of heart).
Some of the real life heavies who have been called a “Real life Rocky” include Chuck Wepner – the man who started the whole story of course – Vinny Maddalone, Gerry Cooney (people noticed the similarity in looks) Brian Minto and Mike Mollo, to name but a few.
These fighters might have become pro boxers without the “Rocky” legend and its inspiration, but we’ll never know for sure. Some of the more famous and successful fighters to have been inspired by “Rocky” include Vinny Pazienza and Evander Holyfield (he always liked Apollo Creed!). And who knows how many millions of moviegoers became boxing fans after a trip to the movies in late 1976.
Boxing owes “Rocky” a lot, and vice versa (Sly is, in case you forgot, an inducted Hall of Famer), while the film itself keeps on giving. After a hard day, when you’re feeling down, feeling as if life won’t give you a break, slip “Rocky” into the DVD player and your heart will be lifted. It’s a great film, and great films have genuine power.
More power to “Rocky” and here’s to the next 40 years of it being celebrated.