The "Rocky" thread

[Andrew NDB]

What are your best memories from the movies? How would you rate them now?

It's funny, I did my big rewatchathon a couple weeks ago in prep for Creed II, of which my daughter saw part 1 (Rocky 1, not Creed 1) with us. She loved it. So now one a day, give or take, the days that I've had her since, we've been trudging through them together (for me, again) one by one.

My 11 year old daughter's perspective:

* Rocky 3 is the best one, because she really wanted to see Clubber getting smashed to ribbons. Because she believes he killed Mickey.

* Drago is super scary. And now she knows what steroids are.

* Tommy Gunn is the best Rocky villain/opponent over Drago or Lang or Apollo because he got between Rocky and his son. I had to respect this opinion and it gives new perspective into Rocky V.

* She loved all of the training montages. But she says the training montage in "Rocky Balboa" is hands down the best because of the dog, "Punchy."

[Leo656]

WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME?!?!

Jesus, do I love Rocky movies. If they're on, we watch. House rule.

I could never rate them, although some are obviously far "better" than others. But I think each of them have moments that make them "must-watch". I'd never tell anyone to skip a Rocky flick. Although - and I'm really sorry about this - but I still haven't seen either "Creed". I forget what happened with the first one, as to why we didn't go see it, but I keep forgetting to pick up the Blu-ray. I've just been too busy to go to the movies recently, so I missed the second one.

I think the first one is probably the best "movie", as in, a person who doesn't care about Rocky or boxing can probably still enjoy the story. And unlike all the sequels it has no epic backstory to rely on or be familiar with; less "baggage" and more straightforward. The whole thing carries so many universal themes, that whenever a person tells me "I hate Rocky", it generally signals to me that I have nothing to ever discuss with that person. What's not to like?

Full disclosure, Rocky III was the first one I ever watched, because of the scene with Hulk Hogan. It's obviously a sentimental favorite, and it has a good message, but it's ultimately kinda weak in spots, particularly the fact that Rocky beat Clubber Lang so thoroughly in the final bout, it made the earlier one seem like a total fluke, even knowing that Rocky was all messed up beforehand. The whole Rise/Fall/Rise theme is a consistent one with Rocky, but the final fight didn't feel thoroughly satisfying, to me. I like to see my heroes struggle a bit more before finally "hulking up". The whole movie was that struggle, granted, but it really felt like Clubber got nothing in on him the second time. I'unno.

This series is one in which I can fully admit to and agree with much of the criticism, but still enjoy the films. Like yeah, Rocky IV is more of an extended music video than a "movie", but those montage scenes are THE BEST. And I, personally, will take "No Easy Way Out" over "Eye of the Tiger", every day. And Rocky V was a "downer", and Sly's son couldn't act, and the whole movie's really uncomfortable to watch, BUT, it was a necessary part of the story all the same. And that street fight with Tommy Gunn was quite satisfying.

One of the greatest and most satisfying happenings of my life, was the universal praise for "Rocky Balboa". When that film was announced, NOBODY I knew except me was excited for it. "Isn't he like 60? Who's he gonna fight this time?" and so on. Then the movie came out, it was amazing, and all of those same people did a complete 180. It was glorious. I feel like it has perhaps the strongest moral of any Rocky movie since the first, as well. I mean, at heart, the entire series has been about doing what you're driven to do, f*ck what other people say, etc., and I feel like it really tied the saga together nicely. A bit sad and poignant, but ultimately triumphant.

Favorite moments? Oh, Jesus. I can't. I mean, they exist, obviously. But which to select? SO many. Too many. Rocky's "AT LEAST YOU HAD A PRIME!" tirade against Mick. Rocky and Apollo in the hospital; "Did you give me your best...?" "...........Yeah." The brawl with Thunderlips. Mickey's death, and Rocky's anguished wail of "WE STILL GOT MORE TO DO!" I gotta stop, man; I'll be here all f*cking day.

I'll say this: At the risk of once again being called an "arrogant prick" or whatever, the Rocky series really is a good barometer for whether or not I can get along with someone. I know people who just plain can't stand Rocky, or never watched any of them, and generally they end up being a tough person to deal with. Not BECAUSE of that, obviously, it's just a sign. The reason I'm most commonly given is, "I hate boxing", but I don't get that. I generally hate boxing, myself, but I f*cking love Rocky. I feel like the story could just as easily be about a race car driver or a baseball player and hit all the same notes, really; but it's the fact that satisfaction is delivered via repeated punches to the face that sets it apart. But dismissing it as a series of "boxing movies" does them a huge disservice.

Great series, man. I feel like this is the thing you and I have most in common.

[Prowler]

I've only seen the very first Rocky movie so far. I found it to be a good movie. I definitely enjoyed it. Will someday watch the other Rocky films, but some people have told me that most of hem are not so good except IV which is supposed to be the best one, so I guess that's why I lost some motivation to watch the rest.But ofc, I can't know that until I watch them myself, so I probably shouldn't listen to them, then.

I think Rocky is the type of character and movie series that most people can relate to somewhat, since the protagonist is an underdog type of character and thus more easily relatable than those perfect heroes who seem superior to nearly everyone they face.

[Leo656]

Those people who told you that are completely full of sh*t. If anything, most people consider Part IV to be near the bottom of the pile, although it's certainly better than its reputation. On the whole, though, it's more like "They're all pretty good, but there's maybe two that are less good, and one that's definitely less than the others, but might not be terrible depending on who you ask." That's Part V, by the way, which I maintain is at least a decent "almost-ending" of the saga, but many people argue is completely worthless. I think those people are small-minded, but it's definitely the popular opinion.

Maybe this is another one of those regional things. Between their opinions on wrestling, gaming consoles, and Rocky movies, you've got me thinking that most people in Portugal aren't as sharp as you are.

You can get the entire series on disc for like $20, brother. You'll never have a better weekend in your life, unless it somehow starts raining hookers.

[cammy85]

Rocky V was definitely a weak point; but by that time, Rocky had sustained severe brain damage and wasn't the same throughout that movie. Sure, he was able to train Tommy and even have the street fight; but that was pretty dangerous. To make things worse, Rocky was just fine in Rocky Balboa as well as able to give his son the speech about the importance of being able to take life's hits. Isn't brain damage supposed to be permanent?

[Prowler]

Originally Posted by Leo656

Those people who told you that are completely full of sh*t. If anything, most people consider Part IV to be near the bottom of the pile, although it's certainly better than its reputation. On the whole, though, it's more like "They're all pretty good, but there's maybe two that are less good, and one that's definitely less than the others, but might not be terrible depending on who you ask." That's Part V, by the way, which I maintain is at least a decent "almost-ending" of the saga, but many people argue is completely worthless. I think those people are small-minded, but it's definitely the popular opinion.

Maybe this is another one of those regional things. Between their opinions on wrestling, gaming consoles, and Rocky movies, you've got me thinking that most people in Portugal aren't as sharp as you are.

You can get the entire series on disc for like $20, brother. You'll never have a better weekend in your life, unless it somehow starts raining hookers.

Actually I haven't asked Portuguese people about Rocky. But other European friends of mine from various places such as Finland and Poland. Could just have been their particular opinions. But feel free to think Europeans are just weird, then

I'll get on to other Rocky movies one day, but I'm a bit lazy when it comes to cinema for some reason. I oughta fix this bad habit of mine.

IV is the one with Hogan, isn't it? I'm gonna guess it's your favourite thing about the movie

[Leo656]

Originally Posted by cammy85

Rocky V was definitely a weak point; but by that time, Rocky had sustained severe brain damage and wasn't the same throughout that movie. Sure, he was able to train Tommy and even have the street fight; but that was pretty dangerous. To make things worse, Rocky was just fine in Rocky Balboa as well as able to give his son the speech about the importance of being able to take life's hits. Isn't brain damage supposed to be permanent?

Y e e a a h, I kinda have to laugh about how badly "Rocky Balboa" glossed over all of that. I mean, they DID try and refuse to license him, but... I'unno. Definitely a flaw. But, I'd argue, no more of a flaw than, "So HOW exactly did all those pull-ups, sled-pulling, one-armed push-ups, etc., help train Rocky to survive about 9 million cannon-blasts to the goddamn FACE from Ivan Drago?!" F*ck brain damage, he'd legit be a puddle of Jell-O by Round 3. At some point, even I have to shrug and say something is "Just a movie."

Originally Posted by Prowler

Actually I haven't asked Portuguese people about Rocky. But other European friends of mine from various places such as Finland and Poland. Could just have been their particular opinions. But feel free to think Europeans are just weird, then

Oh, I do.

I also have some Polish people in my family, as does my wife. Don't ask those people anything, they're ridiculous. Every single stereotype, completely true. You'd get a more educated opinion from a houseplant, regardless of topic.

Rocky III is the one with Hogan, which is the sole reason I rented it as a kid (and thus, fell in love with the series). People's opinion on that scene are pretty much in line with their opinion of Hogan in general: It's either a lot of fun, or a bit of pointless nonsense that stops the movie dead for 15 minutes.

For my money, it's at least ONE of the best parts of III. Right up there with Mr. T's Oscar-worthy delivery of, "HEY woman!" and "DON'T TURN YO' BACK ON ME, SUCKA!"

...Both of which I use in real-life conversations far more often than you'd think.

[Autbot_Benz]

Rocky Movies are just Awesome. Same goes for the Creed Movies. Heartfelt gets your blood pumping and lots of epic training montages