Preach It Mother

Rocky was released in 1976. It stars Sylvester Stallone and was the movie that launched his career. Stallone approached United Artists with the script of an unknown boxer getting a title shot, and only allowed them to have the script if he could star in it. Eventually they agreed. The movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and won 3 including Best Picture (1976). It also won for Best Director (John G. Avildsen) and Best Film Editing. Rocky was filmed in 28 days. It's the ultimate film about the all-american underdog getting a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The movie starts off with hardly any dialogue, and shows an ordinary day in the life of Rocky. A fight in which he wins after going mad after he's headbutted is held in some club. Rocky then goes home to an empty house where he feeds his pet turtles and settles in lonely. He works as a collector for a man whom he respects and receives the same respect back from. Throughout the movie you get the sense that Rocky is lonely and feels neglected, as he keeps telling his friends they should've seen him fight the night before. He and Adrian seem to be destined for each other. She is the quiet, shy girl while he is loud and outgoing. Rocky sweeps her off her feet with his jokes and love for pets. The movie goes on to show Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, give a no-name a shot at the title after his original opponent breaks his hand. This movie includes the classic training montage with the song, "Gonna Fly Now" written by Bill Conti. Eventually Rocky does go the distance with Creed, and emphatically yells out "Adrian!" one of the most famous quotes ever.

This film, although fictional, interested me from a sports standpoint and made me believe anything is possible. I think Stallone played a great role, and was the only person for the job. He does a great job, playing the humble man in front of the television cameras. For instance when he and Creed have their press conference before the fight, Rocky at first is quiet and seems camera shy. But then he busts out with enthusiasm and a huge smile