Rocky (1976)

Inspirational Moments - 4/5

So I saw this film called 'Rocky' for the first time the other day. Yes, you heard correctly, for the first time. For some reason I have dismissed anything staring Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger my whole life as the whole muscle man beating everyone up really didn't appeal to me. But after watching the three 'Rambo' films recently and finding them reasonably enjoyable, I though it was about time to start on 'Rocky'. With three Oscars to its name, including Best Picture, I chose a good starting point. As of this moment I have not begun my Schwarzenegger viewing, but Stallone has now begun to appeal to me. Anyone else feel like this about actors such as these? Probably not.

Anyway on with the review, and I can see why this won Best Picture way back in 1977. Although the storyline was not the most exciting thing I've ever watched, the film captured some extremely emotion evoking and inspiring moments. Obviously I have to mention Stallone's run to the top of the stairs followed by fist pumps over a beautiful scene of Philadelphia. I know I'd never seen any of the 'Rocky' films before this, but that scene's reputation proceeded itself. It was a truly memorable moment and surely rates among man film lovers top 100 scenes ever. It has certainly made its way into mine.

The ending of the film was another truly inspirational one. I enjoyed how the result of the fight was so played down. It wasn't one of those attempts at not being cheesy by losing the final match (Dodgeball) that really are cheesy. By barely focusing on the result of the fight at all the film managed to capture the love between Rocky and Adrian, played well by a young Talia Shire, and capped a perfect end to the movie. I feel ashamed that I have waited this long to see one of the most famous films of all time but I can say it was definitely worth the wait.

Sylvester Stallone steps out of driving seat for Expendables 2

The LA Times has reported that movie beefcake Sylvester Stallone will take a less active role in the follow up to the star studded 'The Expendables'. He has reportedly approached a selection of directors to sit behind the camera for the sequel and is planning to concentrate more on his performance.

I think this will prove to be a wise choice from Stallone, as it seemed he had too much going on to produce a decent action movie the first time around. 'The Expendables' was lacking in many areas needed for an effective action film, something you wouldn't expect from Stallone. By taking more of a back seat I'm hoping he can let the directors and writers do their thing so he can do his. Lets hope the sequel is more exciting than the first, and by a long way too. Reports also rumour that Jean Claude Van Damme and British boxer David Haye could feature! We'll have to wait and see.

Rambo: First Blood (1982)

Fair play Stalone - 3.5/5

So I saw this film the other day called 'Rambo: First Blood'. Never having been a fan of the stereotypical Hollywood muscle men (Schwarzenegger and Stalone), I found myself deprived of some of the worlds most famous films. As of now I am without knowledge on both the 'Terminator' and 'Rocky' film series. I decided to start with the 'Rambo' collection, and although I wouldn't say I'm turned onto these types of films, Stalone's performance was certainly better than I expected.
Stalone certainly managed to get the most out of a role that demanded little actual talking. He epitomised the estranged Vietnam War veteran coming home to find how much life had changed; you could feel his inner anguish. I did feel slightly awkward in places watching this film from a modern perspective however, as scenes of a rampaging brute blasting his way through a town are now, regrettably, not only confined to the screen. You couldn't really make this film now could you? Think about it.
So I've been partially swayed by Stalone and have opened up a realm of films that I would now like to watch. After a while however, I was slightly bored. The lack of speech did wear a bit thin by the end. As did the total inability of Teasle's (Brian Dennehy) police force to shoot straight. How many times do you want to miss? Slightly unbelievable, but then I suppose we are supposed to believe that John Rambo is more war machine that human.
Now I'll tell you what I really didn't like. The End! Having a man such as Rambo simply walked out of the police station by Richard Crenna, whose role as Trautman incidentally is probably the most boring and unemotional film character  I've ever seen, straight into the arms of the law. Lame.
Would I recommend it? Only so you can say you've seen this famous film. Not because you will be blown away by it.