Rocky

Rocky (1976) Director: John G. Avildsen Writer: Sylvester Stallone Stars: Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa Talia Shire - Adrian Burt Young – Paulie Carl Weathers – Apollo Creed Rocky takes place in Philadelphia. Rocky Balboa is a struggling boxer trying to make the big time, working as a debt collector for a pittance. Heavyweight champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), the film’s proxy for Muhammed Ali, is pissed that his opponent for a much-hyped bicentennial match has pulled out with a last-minute injury. His team comes across Rocky and thinks it’s a great idea that they try to get him for the match. A local guy gets his shot is the angle that they are using, since the fight takes place in Philadelphia. Rocky has never had a shot like this. He goes to his boxing club to train with his old trainer, Mickey. It seems that Mickey does not want anything to do with him at first, but then realizing how big of an opportunity this is, he changes his mind. Rocky trains hard and goes the distance with the champ, causing controversy when Apollo wins the fight due to a split decision. This film is presented chronologically. I think this is really the only way that this story could have been told, because it would have been too confusing if it kept going back and forth. When you are telling a story about a boxing match, this is the perfect way to tell it. It also works well with the development of the characters. Since no one knows anything about any of them, starting at the beginning and moving forward seems like the right way. Especially if you ever watch the rest of the Rocky movies, it seems that Rocky Balboa becomes smarter as the movies go on. Sources: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/?ref_=nv_sr_2 http://thefilmspectrum.com/?p=7737