release year: 1976
genre: drama
viewing setting: home DVD, 4/24/01
what I expected: couldn't remember much
what I got: good inspiring movie
synopsis: An amateur boxer with a lot of heart gets a shot at The Man - but can he go the distance?
impressions: This is the one I never really watched (as I, like most people, am more familiar with all the sequels.) It's a very uplifting movie, though, and maybe the best overall of all five. There's more story here than boxing, but it all mixes together well. You can't help but root for this underdog.
acting: Sylvester Stallone gives a better performance than most people stereotype him for here. Talia Shire also did a good job with Adrian, a mousy quiet girl who can be strong when she needs to. I don't care much for Burt Young's Paulie, but the character adds something to the plot. Carl Weathers is also good as the flamboyant, cocky world champion Apollo Creed.
final word: Good underdog story, you should see it.
rating: B