Rocky

Release Year: 1976

Director: John G. Avildsen

Review: One of the great underdog stories, 'Rocky' is an enduring classic.  Rocky is an everyman.  Just an average guy who has a good heart, but perhaps made a few mistakes, just trying to get by in life.  Like so many people he has a talent but because of circumstances never capitalized on them and missed his shot.  Many people can identify with this character, and hence when Rocky is given that chance to show that he is worth something it is so easy to root for him.  Although it is an effective and moving film, I did have some problems with it.  Rocky's love interest Adrian goes through a transformation that is a bit over the top.  She goes from an overly shy, unattractive, borderline mentally challenged pet store clerk to an engaging, beautiful, woman seemingly overnight.  Apparently she just needed to lose the glasses and get a new dress.   Perhaps this transformation would have been more believable had more time been spent on it, but like so many potentially interesting points, it was glossed over.  I would have liked to spend more time with the build up of Rocky's fame.  It is said that he has went from a nobody to nationally known, but this is never felt.  I guess can't fault the movie too much for not shoving more montages in, and I doenjoy the movie as it is.  Everyone likes rooting for the underdog, and 'Rocky' perhaps pulls that concept off the best.
Rating: 4/5