In the mean time, while training for the fight with his coach, Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), Rocky tries to court a girl he has had his eyes on for a long, long time: Adrian (Talia Shire).
Rocky trains like he has never trained before, eats raw eggs, and climbs monuments in his home city of Philadelphia, all to get into proper shape. But, come fight time, everyone is hoping that he can last more than three rounds with the champ.
If Rocky can beat the champ - or last more than three rounds with him - then he will be a hero to many.
Rocky Balboa, is the classic "everyman," the person everyone wants to be. Everyone dreams of being in the place Rocky is. Rocky is what every kid dreams about.: scoring the overtime goal in game seven of the Stanley Cup playoffs; Scoring the last second "hail-Mary" touchdown or field goal to win the Grey Cup; or even winning the masters.
More than just a boxing movie, Rocky is a story of triumph. We want our hero to succeed. We want him to get the girl. We are there with him when he is training at 5:00 in the AM. We are there with him when he finally conquers those art museum steps. We cheer when Rocky raises his arms triumphantly.
And just like the film's hero, it's writer, Stallone, was an underdog too, rising up from nowhere to triumph just as Rocky does. Even the film itself was an underdog, walking away with three Oscars over arguably better films. You can pick which movie you would have preferred to win the Oscar - your favourite, probably - but regardless, Rocky was indeed one of the best films of the year.
Rocky is an inspiration to everyone. It is uplifting, rewarding. Although its been done to death over the years - joe everyman becomes big hero - this is one of the best examples of this genre.
Plot: 
The plot of Rocky is one that has been done to death over the years. Again and again and again. You see it everywhere from Harry Potter to Star Wars. But this film is something special. It triumphs where others fail. It is indeed one of, if not the best "everyman succeeds" films.
Visual Effects:
Visual effects are good. The fight scenes, the actual boxing is well choreographed.
Sound:
The score is great, including the now classic piece of sporting Americana "Gonna Fly Now."
Character Development:
Every character goes through change in Rocky, the title character being the most notable. He goes from nobody to hero.
Adrian (Talia Shire) goes from a nerdy pet store worker to the love of Rocky's life, but only with a lot of persuading from her brother and Rocky, himself.
Atmosphere:
Everyone wants Rocky to win the title how does he finish? Well... not telling. Everyone roots for the underdog Rocky, though. You'll get right into this film quickly.
Realism:
This film is pure Hollywood drivel. But some of the best drivel they ever spit out. Sometimes a pure Hollywoodized movie can be really good. Such is the case. Stallone crafted his legacy with raw emotion and power, and together with Hollywood’s fantasy touch, made for one enjoyably uplifting picture.
Warren’s Rating:
Movies it beat out for Best Picture:
All The President's Men; Bound for Glory; Network; Taxi Driver
8.16/10Is the movie worth your time to watch?
04-04-03
Updated 29-01-07
