It drops off a bit in the middle, but the later ones and the Creed series of films make up for 4 & 5 so much. I'd like to see a reaction to all of them so Nat can grow with Rock and so that if she ever reviews BALBOA, that the impact will be there.
Exactly. And another boxing movie with similar feeling is Cinderella Man. Based on true story of James J. Braddock, directed by Ron Howard, starring excellent Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti.
@@global_asa_wenca oh yeah they made us watch that movie in history class. I thought it was about cinderella and stuff so I didn’t want to watch and went to sleep but then I started watching out of curiosity and I really enjoyed it. So good, kinda like rocky but I think it’s a bit better. But I love rocky too.
One of the most genius things about Stallone's writing of this movie is that even though the gist is "Rocky has to fight Apollo at the climax", Creed is never the villain. He's overconfident, sure, but he never is presented as evil or the real antagonist. Apollo merely acts as a vessel through which Rocky's struggle gets channeled. He's merely the culmination of all that struggling in life and training.
Yeah I always thought Ali was the inspiration for Apollo. He's putting on a show for marketing. I also love how they became friends in the sequels, sort of a Vegeta and Goku story.
The point of the ending is that even though Apollo won, (by split decision) it's hard to hear and just background noise because rocky doesn't care about the result at all. He accomplished his goal of going the distance and the minute he accomplished his goal he yelled for Adrian because he wanted to share the most important moment of his life with her. One of the more beautiful endings to a film in my opinion. Love your videos!
There is one other little thing that often gets overlooked in the ending. Paulie is trying to get into the ring but security is stopping him, when Adrian gets there she says Paulie and he lifts the ropes and blocks the security guy's view so she can get into the ring. The only purely unselfish thing he does for his sister in the movie.
and like, an underdog got VERY CLOSE of beating A CHAMPION is like, it doesnt matter if you acctuly win the fight, it only matters that you win the peoples hearts
@@roelven1282 Because he was not trying to win, per the bed scene with Adriane, his new goal was just trying to "go the distance" which no one had ever did with Creed. he explains that if he can do that, he would be a " somebody"......
This movie shows that Stallone is really an excellent writer when he wants to tell a story. The fact that Nat is riveted by an almost 50-year-old movie about a BOXER shows the power of human connection and good story-telling.
Stallone does a lot of over the top action movies, some good some...not so good. The goofier stuff can make you forget just how good he can be. Rocky’s one of my all time favorite movies.
@@grahamstrouse1165 Watch him in the Lords of Flatbush for some of his early work that is pretty good. Have to say the movie is very 50's happy day cheesy and you will see where Henry Winkler found the Fonz or so I always thought.
or the fact that I've seen this movie about a dozen times, and yet each time I re-watch, during the final fight, I'm glued to the edge of my seat and biting my fingernails and sweating like crazy like I have no idea how it will turn out
Fun Fact! Stallone was in such dire straits (financially) before this film, he had to give up his dog. He simply couldn’t afford to care for it. When the film was finally picked up, he was able to get his dog back. He then gave his dog a supporting role in the movie. Butkus the dog was Stallone’s real life dog who was in the first 2 films. Anyway, great review. Not sure how this ended up in my feed, but Rocky has always been one of my favorite films. This was fun to watch.
That after going the distance vs. the champ, taking the beating that he did, his first concern is about her hat tells you everything you need to know about his character.
"It's not about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward, how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done."
27:55 Us not being able to hear the decision clearly in the background is basically how Rocky was hearing everything else; that he didn't care what the results are, all that he cares about is Adrian and that he was able to go the distance and prove to himself that he wasn't a bum
Adrian‘s glasses were not meant to be cool. Back in the day, they were just nerdy. The current approach for that design is sort of a retro-cool. But not back then. They were just seen as nerdy.
I was thinking the same thing. That style hadn’t been around long enough to be retro yet, they were just outdated. Kind of like wearing bell bottoms in the ‘80s.
Being from the 70s myself: Neither of their glasses were cool back then. Cateye glasses were what old librarians wore. Those huge clear glasses would get you beaten up in school. Big tinted aviators were the rage back then.
Yeah most things that are considered cool and hipster now are often things the were considered ugly then. Those were often cheap utilitarian stuff that poor people used.
Funny thing...lol, I had to get glasses when I was 13 in '75, and the frames I ended up picking were light lavender tinted Aviator style lol. The glasses depending on the light looked clear but also had the hint of color. I years later realized they had been too big for my small face but loved them at the time.😜
Another really nice thing at the end is when Paulie is ringside arguing with a policeman about not being allowed in the ring and while arguing Paulie reaches behind his back and pulls the rope up so Adrienne can get in the ring and go to Rocky. Classic.😀
Regarding the scene at Rocky's place with Mick, they each had to speak their piece to make peace. The lines between Apollo and Rocky: Apollo says, "Ain't gonna be no rematch," and Rocky replies, "Don't want one!"
This is such a great film and Stallone is incredibly talented. I love that every character grows over the course of the film, and they need other people to help them grow. Adrian needs Rocky to pull her out of her shell, Paulie needs Adrian to stop putting up with his shit, Mickey needs Rocky to give his life purpose, Rocky needs Mickey to help him grow as a fighter, and Apollo needs Rocky to check his ego. Everyone improves themselves because of somebody else -- it's so great.
One of my favorite moments in the film is when the promoter asks Rocky does he want to fight Apollo Creed for the World Heavyweight Champsionship, Rocky thinks it over and then says no. It's surprising as a viewer because we just expected him to automatically say yes, be like, "Oh man, I'd love the chance to fight the champion!" But him saying no, that really shows that the character of Rocky has a high level of intelligence. He may not be book smart, but he's not a sucker. He's self aware enough to know that in the grand scheme of boxing, he's a nobody. The idea of putting him in the ring against Apollo would be like if someone asked me if I wanted to join an NBA team. I mean yeah, as a kid it was always my dream, but to put me out on the court with professional players now at my age would be a joke, an absolute joke. And Rocky can tell that this whole thing to the promoter, to Apollo, it's a joke. He's the butt of a joke, a way for them to make some quick cash. And it takes Rocky less than 5 seconds to realize this. It's such a small, but great bit of character writing.
True. And if you have been the butt end of the joke most of your life you can smell it. The cool kids don't wanna suddenly hang with you without an ulterior motive.
My dad loved to watch Rocky when I was a kid. Every time I watch a Rocky movie it makes me think of all the movie nights I'd have with him. Wonderful memories I keep to this day. I hope to impart similar memories to my own children. So glad you get to dive on in!
This is exactly the same as me. My dad would let me stay up late to watch these movies - I think in part to try and toughen me up as a kid! These movies are one of the strongest links I have to my dad, he passed away when I was 18 but every time I watch them I feel like I’m watching them with him. Rocky is my favourite movie of all time because of the meaning behind it, the memories I have with it. I proposed to my wife on the steps of Philadelphia
Same as you both. One of like 2 movies my dad would tear up over (other being Rudy) because he was a nobody but smaller. Called stupid by his teachers and told he wouldn’t amount to anything. Worked his butt off and became successful in sports and business later on. He would tell me “don’t believe you can’t do something just because someone tells you that you can’t. If you want it badly enough and work hard to get it, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish.” I doubt he even remembers but I do. Always will.
My dad took me multiple times to see this movie. I was 9 years old. Today Dad is almost 92 yrs old. He has advance dementia and sometimes doesn't remember who I am until I tell him. I PLAY this movie for him every few weeks. He still remembers "Rocky" and moves to the music. He smiles and laughs at the jokes. Good times. 👍
Interesting note: Rocky invented the training montage as we know it today. Prior to Rocky, they didn't really show the whole training aspect in movies and TV, cause they assumed it would be boring, and lose the audience, so they'd just skip to the relevant part of the story.
@@jsmithers. Oh yeah, that's why you never saw any of Luke's training aside from the bit with the laser droid, and even there, it was more about expositing the basics of how the Force works, and then they moved on, and had him train between movies. Even in V, they only show a small bit of training with Yoda. Lol, it legit came from a good place in their hearts, oddly enough. They wanted to focus on entertaining their audiences, and I mean, "Who would wanna see a guy eat healthy, go for some long runs, punch at inanimate stuff, and just DO exercise?"
@@dragonstryk7280 yeah I think they actually did it well in SW, they used his training as exposition and world building at the same time. He goes from clueless in Obi-wan's hut on Tatooine, in learning on the ship, to seeking another master. Then they follow kinda the same trend in Ep. 5 with Yoda.
What Rocky was sniffing before the fight was just a nasal decongestants to help clear the nose and better maintain airflow. Nasal sprays also fight inflammation so when they get punched in the nose, it doesn’t swell and cut off air flow.
The story of how this film was made and the struggle Stallone went through to get it made is incredible, it's definitely worth a google. Sylvester Stallone is a movie star today through sheer determination and refusal to give up on his dream.
He was so poor he had to sell his dog to some guy to survive , then had to give the guy almost all the money for the movie and give him a role in the movie to get him back😥
Natalie... Natalie... Natalie, thank you for sharing this movie. I saw it with my brother when I was Eleven, he was the only person in my family who gave a damn about me. He would take me out to the movies nearly every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every weekend. Now that he is gone it is rare that I have the opportunity to feel that feeling of sharing such a vital part of my life. Thank you so much!
This whole series is pretty great. 2 is almost as good as 1. 3 and 4 are a lot more 80’s action hero cheese, but still have some great moments. 5 is a little weak, 6 is shockingly great(maybe my second favorite), and the creed movies are excellent.
@@profshad3429 it’s definitely not great. I think it gets a lot more hate than it deserves though. Trying to be a little more moderate to balance out the hot takes.
@1:30, the story of how Stallone had to fight to get to play this role is a tearjerker. I’ve heard his first wife was pregnant and they had no money. He could have sold the screenplay and gotten cash. But he knew this was the role that would make him a star. So he asked his wife what she thought. She backed him 100% and the rest is now history. Feels 😢😭
Stallone had to sell his dog (Butkus in the movie) because he could no longer afford to feed and take care of him. After the movie became a success, he went back to Butkus' new owner and bought him back. He had to pay a lot more for him than he sold him for. John G. Avildsen went on to direct Karate Kid, and Rocky V (but let's not talk about that one...)
@@bloodymarvelous4790 He didn't pay anything to get the dog back. The guy he sold him to wanted $3000 to buy him back.. or be in the movie. So Stallone actually put him in a little scene in Rocky. He's the short guy taking the trash out in front of the gym.
You'll love watching the beautiful progression of Rocky's character over the years, especially into the new Creed films starring Michael B. Jordan with Stallone in an Oscar-nominated supporting role. One of the most underrated and taken-for-granted movie franchises of all time.
3 and 4 are a major step down from the first two, but still enjoyable and compelling even if the writing isn't as smart anymore. 5 is is garbage. Rocky Balboa is a fantastic return to form for the series "finale" and Creed has been great so far. That's eight movies with only one true stinker, that's an amazing track record.
@@matthewhearn9910 I agree with almost all of that. The franchise really jumped the shark at the start of Rocky 3 with Rocky fighting Hulk Hogan...ugh. Still a lot to enjoy after that moment, though. Unpopular opinion: having Apollo's son fight Drago's son in Creed 2 was real dumb. I was gonna make a joke here about what's next--have Creed fight Mr. T's son in the next movie? Then I read that Stallone likes that idea...I suppose the kid will overcome his daddy issues and grow a mohawk for the climactic fight. Good lord.
I am a HUGE “Rocky” fan. Think the movie is amazing for many reasons, but watching Natalie’s play by play 1st time viewing going through that emotional roller coaster we’ve all been through watching this movie made me love the film even more. This was fun. Thanks for doing it. 🥊
Rocky's little tantrum was partially Stallone's actual frustration, he said in an interview that the set really stunk like shit, so he ad-libbed that into it.
she needs to hurry up and whatch all 4 so she can get to Creed i love those two movies just as much as the first two Rocky films, even more so in other ways
@@DaintyBroom2233 you mean all 6? I get that 5 is pile of poop but rocky balboa is pretty good. Personally i really like 6. it might even be my second or 3rd favorite rocky.
@@hectorborzelli6418 i just meant that those were the ones you needed to see in order to watch Creed, i didnt watch the other 2 becuase i heard they wern't very good
I just noticed for the first time- after everything he just went through the first thing Rocky said when Adrian got in the ring after the fight was "where's your hat"
Sylvester Stallone was a very struggling actor who wrote the script with the intention that he would star in it. His acting career had gone nowhere. He was offered more and more money for his script but refused because another actor would be cast as Rocky. He was really broke and his wife was pregnant. He stood his ground and held out and finally got his "shot". The rest is history.
He was literally so poor he sold his dog because he couldn't afford to feed it. They offered him huge amounts for the script, as long as he didn't star in it, and he still said no. When they did agree, they gave him practically nothing for it or the budget of the movie, as they thought it would flop. It made over 200 million and won an Oscar. Stallone is a movie star through sheer force of will and determination.
Let's face it, this is one of the greatest films ever...in any genre. Stallone was truly blessed when he was writing this film. Flat broke and believing in himself, he insisted that he alone play Rocky no matter what and beat the odds!
My favorite part of the movie is when Rocky gets back up in the 14th round and you can just see Apollo’s mood just deflate as if he was saying “Are you serious?” And Rocky was like “Come on”
It was great. It was also great in the beginning of the fight when Creed is dancing around and joking, and then when Rocky finally lands that first punch he ends up on the ground for the first time in his career. That look of "Where the f*ck did that come from?!" when he got back up was great. Like it was the last thing he ever expected, and got hit by a truck out of nowhere. I really hope that Nat will at least watch Rocky II as well.
@@serelryk5365 it’s a really interesting story arc that occurs throughout all of them. I hope she goes through all of them. I still have to watch Creed though.
@@Matty_th Creed and Creed II definitely worth the watch.. Looking forward to Creed III. While it makes sense Stallone is bowing out he'll definitely be missed.
First movie I saw in a theater, I was a kid. The place went crazy! Stallone did it all, wrote it, starred, even though they didn't want him in the movie. Stallone quote "I know I caught lightening with the first thing I ever did, and I have been trying to equal that for my entire life and haven't been able to do it." Those of us who alive back then, can tell you he captured the mood of the country , especially in urban areas, at that time. This a masterpiece; he nailed it.
This movie is really something special. I love that Rocky's motivation isn't winning the fight. He has no expectation to win. He just wants to go the distance and get the girl. That's it. End on his feet, and get the girl. I love the simplicity of that, and the fact that the announcement of the fight's winner is something heard distantly in the background and treated like it doesn't really matter, because to him it doesn't.
So, now go back and watch "Rocky Balboa" again. The amazing thing to me about that movie is that it ends EXACTLY the same way the first movie ended. It is THE capstone to the Rocky story.
I thought the same thing. Nothing retro here. Also, being uncomfortable with Rocky and Adrian getting together at his apartment. Perfectly natural interaction, keyword being natural.
The producers wanted to cut the monologue that Rocky gives in bed with Adrian before the fight because they were behind schedule, Stallone fought to keep that in and could only do it in 1 take.
And that's one of my favorite parts! His "Then I'll know for the first time in my life that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood." hits me every time.
this is my favorite movie of all time! I went to Philadelphia just to look for the places where the movie was shot in 2015 and I learned to play the soundtrack on the piano too. It is so inspiring. I love watching people watch this movie for the first time and I loved your reaction!
Adrian is the MVP of the series. I love their relationship. Rocky is this tough street dude yet realizes he can be vulnerable around her and she won’t think less of him.
First saw him in Clash of the Titans (which I prolly watched on VHS 1k times). By the time dad showed me the Rocky movies, he felt like a relative to me. RIP
Lots of people seem to get put off watching by Rocky because they mistakenly think it's an action film all about fighting when really it's a drama film about love and life being tough. I appreciate the Paulie - Adrian sub plot where Paulie blames his own crappy life on Adrian whilst Adrian carries this burden of shyness and timidity that prevents her from escaping. Like for so many people in the world it's a toxic situation but they depend on each other.
Some more fun facts about the movie, at the beginning, that’s Stallone’s brother singing that you called ‘professional’ and was common in Philly, his dad had a part ring side, and when Carl Weathers (Apollo) read for the role with Stallone, he actually asked for a real actor to read with, he didn’t know Stallone was the lead.
Oh, Frank Stallone was in that group? He sings some other things Sly's in, like the iconic First Blood theme music! Makes sense he'd be there (and he sounds like Sly, somewhat.)
My favorite scene by far is Rocky in the bathroom and Mick in the hallway. It's so perfect. Mick knows he needs to leave, but he doesn't want to, and closes the door to take a moment. Rock hears the door and thinks Mick's left, sees him, and goes back in the bathroom. And that just totally deflates Mick. The accusations flung through the door totally break Mick, and then to have Rocky run after him to apologize and accept his help. Gets me every time.
Rocky lost his locker because he started doing mob collections and Mick wrote him off because of that. Mick, from his telling, was a very promising fighter in the 20s and 30s, but got chewed up by the fight game (which was very heavily influenced by organized crime in those days) and thrown away. Rocky throwing away his talent to work for Gazzo broke Mick’s heart. That’s why they clicked so much in training. They’re twins with a 30 year age difference.
@@wasabi5338 I think he thought about it in the second one when he tried to get Rocky to give him his money to invest in condominiums, then had a change of heart when Rocky replied “But I’ve never used them.” Like, “just get out of here, you likeable idiot.” Although Gazzo probably did make a killing on the rematch. Probably told all the problem gamblers “We all like Rocky, but let’s face it. He nearly lost an eye the last time. Last I heard, he was working over at the meat packing plant. So how much do you want to bet on Creed?”
Years ago, Talia Shire said that the original Rocky film is actually a love story more than a sports movie. I totally agree, and that's why it's my favorite. "Adrian!!!" 😍
I can kinda see that. But it’s just a movie about the triumph of the human heart. And I think Stallone managed to hit that on multiple levels with this movie.
Street corner Doo Wop (acapella) groups were really a thing back then and many of them sounded great. So, the way it was depicted in this movie is pretty legit!
You passed over my favourite scene, which is the one with the promoter at the stadium the night before the fight, the moment Rocky realizes the whole thing is just a show where he's meant to play the clown (and that's when he goes back and tells Adrian he's gonna go the distance). I love the way that scene is shot and the dialogue Rocky has with the promoter.
Watching the recognition of the "Adrian" meme finally land right at the movie's climax just made the whole thing doubly thrilling. That was awesome to watch.
23:19 - The year of the fight/movie was 1976, which was America’s Bicentennial. And the fact that it took place in Philadelphia, where so much early American history took place added to the patriotic atmosphere Creed was making.
28:18 - You said it was really hard to hear the results of the fight. Yeah, Apollo won, but it didn't matter. The fight didn't matter. Again, as I already commented, this isn't a boxing movie. The score and win was just background noise to Rocky and Adrianne's story.
7:30 Stallone was actually inspired to write the script for Rocky after watching Muhammad Ali’s fight against a little-known boxer named Chuck Wepner in 1975 (a year before Rocky was made), in which Wepner, against heavy odds, went 15 rounds and even knocked Ali down. Wepner wasn’t a total unknown like Rocky (he was a New Jersey state-level championship fighter), but he was still WAY below Ali’s class to be contending for the world championship belt (and Apollo Creed is an obvious fictional counterpart to Ali from his being the best in the world in the Rocky universe to his flamboyance). Also, if you’ve done The Godfather, you might recognize Adrien as Connie Corleone, Vito’s daughter (she and Burgess Meredith, who plays Mickey, were two of the only well established actors in the first Rocky film). Carl Weathers, who plays Apollo, might be more recognizable from later things like Happy Gilmore or The Mandalorian. He was also a linebacker for the Raiders for a few years before becoming an actor & this was his, like Stallone’s, breakout role.
Love this movie. Also watched it as a kid with my dad. He was a huge Stallone fan and this was his all time favorite movie. Also a big compliment to Burgess Meredith as Mickey. He was absolutely brilliant, he just gave his all. This was the role of his life. And that sure means something in a career that spans over 6 decades!!
The story of how Sylvester wrote this script and all he went through to get it picked up and then to convince them to allow him to play the role is amazing, look in to it. Especially the part about his dog.
As someone who is training for amateur boxing, I will say that the conditioning is the hardest part. I've never had to drastically cut weight, but maintaining the stamina and physique to do it is one of the most demanding things I've had to do
Not a fan of that film at all. The lesson I take away from it is, when you can't achieve your dreams anymore, just give up and die. Your mileage may vary, of course.
@@GeoffTrowbridge I'm going to put that down to being morally ambiguous and giving people options for their end of life choices, but I can definitely see your point.
15:44 I've always thought that wasn't Rocky asking for or accepting help from Mickey but Rocky giving help to Mickey. It's a typical example of Rocky's generous heart. Even in "Rocky Balboa" (2006), he has given Spider Rico, the fighter he defeated in the club fight at in the opening of "Rocky," a job at his restaurant because Spider has had difficulty holding down a job due to brain damage from boxing, and the filmmakers point this out in the commentary saying that Rocky always wants to help the hurt people he meets.
Well kind of, Spider just wants to wash some dishes for being given a free meal IIRC. I loved the fact that they didn't just bring back the character of Spider, but the actual actor. Same with Duke from Apollos crew. Then the trip down memory lane with the ice rink... the training montage... the hostess... i feel many would decry these scenes as dumb fan service but i thought they were perfect and added a lot to the movie.
@@tkopp10976 "Decades passed and Spider Rico aged. He had suffered head trauma, and it was difficult for him to hold down a job. He is presented as a strong Christian character in the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, where he eats for free at Rocky's restaurant 'Adrian's'. ROCKY ALSO GIVES RICO A JOB IN THE KITCHEN, WHERE HE PREPARES FOOD AND WASHES DISHES. " - Rocky.Fandom wiki page
@@waterbeauty85 I go by what's presented in the movie, not some fan fiction. Remember the scene, Rocky goes down to the kitchen and is surprised to find Spider there, he even tells him he doesn't have to work, but Spider insists because he doesn't want to be a freeloader so Rocky lets him be. At the most one might argue whether this unpaid work can be defined as a job, to me Spider is just paying for his meal this way. Rocky isn't paying him.
The movie presents Spider days later in an apron carrying a rack full of wine glasses from the kitchen and setting it on the bar at Adrian's while Rocky and Paulie are talking there, nodding to Rocky when Rocky casually says hi to him, then returning to the kitchen. Additionally, the scriptwriter, Sylvester Stallone, says in the commentary that Rocky has helped Spider regain enough of his self esteem that he's ready to earn his keep instead of living for free off of Rocky's kindness. This is why the cast list on the Rocky_Balboa_(film) wikipedia page says "Pedro Lovell as Spider Rico, Rocky's former opponent and current employee at Adrian's."
I think the part of Mick asking Rocky to let him train him took alot for a person to admit you need help and experience, which is all Mick had left...and Rocky has always looked up to him. It shows Rocky was always heart, no matter what, he loved Mick and he cared for him too.
My favorite shot is when Apollo knocks Rocky down for the final time in the fight and Rocky somehow still gets up and Apollo just has this look like "Damn, what do I have to do to keep this guy down," You owe it to yourself to watch the whole series. Rocky 2 is actually really good but then they start trailing off until Rocky Balboa (Rocky 6) and then the Creed movies are also really good
Trailing off? I strongly disagree. It's once in a blue moon when a film can have 4 sequels and they're all solid. All of the Rocky films are good, some are just better than others IMO. Personally, 3 and 5 are my favorites. I know everyone loves 4, and I really like the whole "US vs USSR" angle they took with it, (especially since it came out when tensions between the US and USSR were the highest they've ever been since the missile crisis) but I just think it wasn't as good as it could've been
Here's a great example of why I enjoy reactions so much. The best ones are those from people who wouldn't normally watch a particular genre as Natale shows with this reaction. That was fun. Thanks Ms Gold.
🤠 I saw this as a high school freshman when it debuted in theaters and spent the next 3 months walking around impersonating Rocky🥊 which had to be SO annoying for my family and friends. 😂
Rocky is deservedly an American movie classic. When I finally watched it for the first time I was struck by how much of the movie was totally not boxing but Rocky, hanging out in the hood doing Rocky things, which I really enjoyed.
There’s a story about Sylvester being so broke that he had to sell his dog and after this movie he was able to get him back. Now you have to watch the whole series up to Creed 2. There’s more to the storyline than just boxing.
For years, I thought that Rocky was the first movie to use a Steadicam. (It actually wasn't.) But between the amazing score and the way the camera seemed to float along beside him, that run up the stairs was one of the most moving things moviegoers had ever seen. It holds up today. Great movie choice.
Steadicam trivia: The Steadicam is the reason Rocky is set in Philadelphia and why we got that run up the stairs. The inventor of the Steadicam filmed his girlfriend running up and down the stairs to use in a promo video for his new invention. He was showing the footage around Hollywood to try and sell it and John Avildsen saw the footage and asked where those steps were... ua-cam.com/video/M1Gt51hvBm0/v-deo.html
Im at 15:54 in to this video, Im impressed how you analyze vs where a few other "first time watching" are mostly into emotional pov. The scene of Rocky drinking raw eggs. I watched my now late father do the same thing in front of when I was a child just to prove it could be done
I didnt saw Rocky for years...and when I finally did it was a full experience. I find it sad, lovely, tender, and emotive. Some scenes give me easy tears. I like the Christological implicancies, the underdog and the triumph of love above the victory of the power or money
That's the beauty of this movie, it doesn't give you the typical Hollywood ending. Rocky loses the fight but wins because he goes the distance and proves his worth.
I use to think this movie was about boxing. As I got older I realized it's about a guy trying to make something of himself, falling in love and going the distance. It's an amazing movie, and the series has some epic moments. Hopefully you watch Rocky 2 and the others.
The road work, the running, is more about building stamina than reducing weight. As for the setting of the movie, it's in the kind of neighborhood where Sylvester Stallone really grew up. It's about the kind of guy that Sly looked up to as a kid. He did the best thing any writer can do; he wrote what he knew, and wrote it honestly, warts and all.
You’re talking like this is a modern movie. The glasses Rocky and Adrian were wearing weren’t hipster glasses at the time they were just regular glasses. They were wearing just regular clothes and they were regular people.
Your explanation for not seeing Rocky yet resonates with me. It came out when I was in HS and my boyfriend basically dragged me to see it with him. I was prepared to hate it but SURPRISE, it turned out to be an incredibly moving drama that just happens to take place in the boxing world. (and the nasal spray is so that the fighters could breathe clearly during the fight.
Great reaction, Natalie! My favorite contrast in this film is the scene in which Rocky sees Apollo Creed telling kids to stay in school on television. It was a good thing -- but not very personal. Yet, moments later, Rocky walks a schoolgirl from the neighborhood home during the night. He gives her very good, personal advice about doing the right thing and making good choices. Yet, when they arrive to her house, the girl gives him a vulgar "up yours" sign and calls him a creep. You can tell that it really hurt Rocky. When I watch that scene, I feel that the contrast is nearly perfect. Despite his good heart and good intentions, Rocky had no clear voice and no audience. It kind of shaped his own diminished sense of self esteem. So, going the distance is a way to keep himself from going "down for the count" in the ring similar to how he felt his life had gone.
Yeah, the result of the fight isn't important to Rocky in the moment. All he knows is he did what he came out to do, go the distance, and there's nothing he wants except to be with Adrian. It's a beautiful moment.
One of the best underdog stories in cinema history. Stallone has a lot of rep as a legendary action hero, but people forget that he wrote/adapted the scripts of his most known characters, and has won serious awards, even an Academy Award for Rocky.
Actually he didn't win anything for Rocky. He was nominated for writing it but didn't win and he wasn't a producer so he didn't win the Oscar for best picture either
The original Trilogy was great. The second and third movies are nearly as good as the first. Better acting and cleaner scripts, but the first was as gritty as it needed to be which made it so iconic. The run through Philly in the second movie is for me the iconic moment. While in the first it was a personal triumph, it takes on a much more intense meaning in the second movie.
when he walks little marie home and she says "hey rocky,screw you creepo" great insults last a long time. PS you on the vhs you can hear the camera rolling
Yeah but even the 3rd was starting to border on the ridiculous. Hulk Hogan? lol Hollywood sure had an influence in III, but it did start to seep in in II as well. After III they are all but unwatchable. Though IV is usually a fun reaction movie.
Would love to see you react to “Cinderella Man”, with Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti. Directed by Ron Howard, it tells the true, 1930’s story of boxer James J. Braddock. But it’s really a love story between a husband and wife (don’t see that very often), and their family’s struggle to survive during the Great Depression. A wonderful film. You won’t be disappointed.
It does paint Max Baer as an asshole who intentionally killed a man in the ring. By all accounts Max Baer was a great guy. He did accidentally kill someone in a match but it horrified him.
Fun facts: Adrian is played by Talia Shire, who is Nicholas Cage's aunt, and the younger sister of Francis Ford Coppola. At the time of filming, she was actually 30. The final fight was filmed in a then-revolutionary way, whereby the final round was prepared and shot first, working backwards to the first round. This technique was a primary reason the film won for Best Film Editing at the 1977 Oscars. While filming that first kiss between Rocky and Adrian, Talia Shire was hesitant to go through with it at the time, because she was recovering from a bout of the flu. Sylvester Stallone didn't mind this, and filmed the scene anyways.
The overall quality of this series is pretty crazy. 5 is the only one I’d actually call a bad movie. 3 and 4 are a little cheesy but good cheese. 1, 2, and Rocky Balboa are all fantastic. And the Creed movies have been really good so far.
I don't like the Creed movies. They're like the Star Wars sequel trilogy; made by people who know how to make the pieces, but have no idea how they fit together.
Love the story of Butkus which was his dog in real life. Story is Stallone sold his dog for $25 because he couldn’t afford him. Once he got the Rocky deal he was able buy him back for $15,000 and include him in the film.
This movie is in my Top 5. I absolutely adore it. I interpret Rocky as really not being that great a fighter, at one point maybe he was, which makes the film about willing yourself to surpass your limitations and proving to yourself that you're more than what you think. As well as getting past what your surroundings suggest of you. Even if its just for one night. I think the fact that his goal wasn't to win the championship is different and very powerful to me. Something that the sequels go away from, but I definitely still love all of them.
This movie is great. That said now that you're invested into the characters you need to watch Rocky 2. I guarantee you will cry. The awesome part is this screenplay (really all 6 screenplays) was written by Sylvester Stallone.
Rocky II is my favourite of the series as it's a little more focused on them as a couple and their life as opposed to a fight. Rocky III is great as well. Rocky IV is a bit silly, but it's fun enough. I don't think there's any bad Rocky films TBH. People hate on the fifth one, but I really like it.
Rocky 2 is my favorite too when Adrian tells Rocky to Win, Win was my all time favorite part cause in that moment, Rocky had her blessing and her confidence that he could Win. If that was real life, Apollo lost already in that moment
Fun fact: Actor Sylvester Stallone still has those turtles. They are now 46 years old. There is a great picture of him and the turtles you can Google.
The turtles names are cuff and link. That's always cracked me up.
Now that is a fun fact
Saw this in a documentation about Stallone. Thats so cool.
That’s right, aren’t turtle supposed to have a longer life span than humans?
Turtles, frogs and birds can often outlive their owners, and get passed on.
Please do the whole series!
Sto at 4 it gets bad then
It drops off a bit in the middle, but the later ones and the Creed series of films make up for 4 & 5 so much. I'd like to see a reaction to all of them so Nat can grow with Rock and so that if she ever reviews BALBOA, that the impact will be there.
And then do Creed and Creed 2.
@@russellnairne9852 nah, Rocky Balboa is really good. 5 is booty tho.
please don't
I love how Natalie starts off with "I don't really get into sports so I don't think i'll be invested in the fight to... Get up Rocky! Get up!!!"
@@justincredible9187 What exactly is your problem, dude ? Are you on something ?
It was beautiful to see wasnt it?
LOL!!! I got a kick out of that too!! LOL!!! I loved her reaction!!
"Punch him in the head"...lol
Those turtles are still alive. They're almost 50 years old - Stallone recently took a photo with them - they're his pets.
amazing
I came on here to say the same thing
No way that’s crazy
Cuff and Link for the win!
Turtle Power!!
I didn't realize until becoming an adult that rocky was a love story about perseverance and determination more than just a boxing film.
Exactly. And another boxing movie with similar feeling is Cinderella Man. Based on true story of James J. Braddock, directed by Ron Howard, starring excellent Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti.
@@global_asa_wenca oh yeah they made us watch that movie in history class. I thought it was about cinderella and stuff so I didn’t want to watch and went to sleep but then I started watching out of curiosity and I really enjoyed it. So good, kinda like rocky but I think it’s a bit better. But I love rocky too.
One of the most genius things about Stallone's writing of this movie is that even though the gist is "Rocky has to fight Apollo at the climax", Creed is never the villain. He's overconfident, sure, but he never is presented as evil or the real antagonist. Apollo merely acts as a vessel through which Rocky's struggle gets channeled. He's merely the culmination of all that struggling in life and training.
Yeah I always thought Ali was the inspiration for Apollo. He's putting on a show for marketing. I also love how they became friends in the sequels, sort of a Vegeta and Goku story.
Thats what Carl said. He wanted to make him a good antagonist and opposite to Rocky, but not a villain.
The point of the ending is that even though Apollo won, (by split decision) it's hard to hear and just background noise because rocky doesn't care about the result at all. He accomplished his goal of going the distance and the minute he accomplished his goal he yelled for Adrian because he wanted to share the most important moment of his life with her. One of the more beautiful endings to a film in my opinion. Love your videos!
There is one other little thing that often gets overlooked in the ending. Paulie is trying to get into the ring but security is stopping him, when Adrian gets there she says Paulie and he lifts the ropes and blocks the security guy's view so she can get into the ring. The only purely unselfish thing he does for his sister in the movie.
And when they meet up in the ring he asks about her hat lol
and like, an underdog got VERY CLOSE of beating A CHAMPION is like, it doesnt matter if you acctuly win the fight, it only matters that you win the peoples hearts
exactly...
@@roelven1282 Because he was not trying to win, per the bed scene with Adriane, his new goal was just trying to "go the distance" which no one had ever did with Creed. he explains that if he can do that, he would be a " somebody"......
This movie shows that Stallone is really an excellent writer when he wants to tell a story. The fact that Nat is riveted by an almost 50-year-old movie about a BOXER shows the power of human connection and good story-telling.
Amen. The pre-fight parts of the movie are sooo underrated.
Stallone does a lot of over the top action movies, some good some...not so good. The goofier stuff can make you forget just how good he can be. Rocky’s one of my all time favorite movies.
@@grahamstrouse1165 Watch him in the Lords of Flatbush for some of his early work that is pretty good. Have to say the movie is very 50's happy day cheesy and you will see where Henry Winkler found the Fonz or so I always thought.
@@GiasJulii Winkler said that he based the Fonz on Stallone.
or the fact that I've seen this movie about a dozen times, and yet each time I re-watch, during the final fight, I'm glued to the edge of my seat and biting my fingernails and sweating like crazy like I have no idea how it will turn out
Fun Fact!
Stallone was in such dire straits (financially) before this film, he had to give up his dog. He simply couldn’t afford to care for it.
When the film was finally picked up, he was able to get his dog back. He then gave his dog a supporting role in the movie. Butkus the dog was Stallone’s real life dog who was in the first 2 films.
Anyway, great review. Not sure how this ended up in my feed, but Rocky has always been one of my favorite films. This was fun to watch.
I love that when Adrian makes it to the ring, Rocky immediately asks "where's your hat". Such a great little touch, perfectly in character.
My favorite line!
That after going the distance vs. the champ, taking the beating that he did, his first concern is about her hat tells you everything you need to know about his character.
That's what makes me cry every time. Every. Time.
That line cracks me up.
"It's not about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward, how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done."
Life in a nutshell!
Post Dark Souls advice: Git Gud.
XD
Wrong rocky movie lol
27:55 Us not being able to hear the decision clearly in the background is basically how Rocky was hearing everything else; that he didn't care what the results are, all that he cares about is Adrian and that he was able to go the distance and prove to himself that he wasn't a bum
Adrian‘s glasses were not meant to be cool. Back in the day, they were just nerdy. The current approach for that design is sort of a retro-cool. But not back then. They were just seen as nerdy.
When Natalie pointed out Rocky's "Hipster" glasses @5:00 I thought it was kinda funny since Natalie herself has a pretty big dose of hipster.
this is at least a decade before 'nerds' became 'mainstream'
I was thinking the same thing. That style hadn’t been around long enough to be retro yet, they were just outdated. Kind of like wearing bell bottoms in the ‘80s.
Both Rocky and Adrian's glasses were dirt cheap and looked ugly because people couldn't afford anything better, pure and simple.
@@LordEriolTolkien More like 20 years.
Being from the 70s myself: Neither of their glasses were cool back then. Cateye glasses were what old librarians wore. Those huge clear glasses would get you beaten up in school. Big tinted aviators were the rage back then.
Yeah most things that are considered cool and hipster now are often things the were considered ugly then. Those were often cheap utilitarian stuff that poor people used.
Absolutely. 💯% I wanted to say the same thing.
Funny thing...lol, I had to get glasses when I was 13 in '75, and the frames I ended up picking were light lavender tinted Aviator style lol. The glasses depending on the light looked clear but also had the hint of color. I years later realized they had been too big for my small face but loved them at the time.😜
"Birth control glasses"
@@gailjohnston1248 The bigger the better! Women's glasses got really huge in the 80s.
Another really nice thing at the end is when Paulie is ringside arguing with a policeman about not being allowed in the ring and while arguing Paulie reaches behind his back and pulls the rope up so Adrienne can get in the ring and go to Rocky. Classic.😀
The better part is that even though Rocky just went 15 rounds, he says "Where's your hat?"
Regarding the scene at Rocky's place with Mick, they each had to speak their piece to make peace. The lines between Apollo and Rocky: Apollo says, "Ain't gonna be no rematch," and Rocky replies, "Don't want one!"
Perfect ending to that fight lol
@@AnalogKid1712 Rocky said "don't want one", it's in the screenplay.
@@jmwild1 I checked it, too. Thank you.
HeLLo George 👀👀👀👀👀👀
This is such a great film and Stallone is incredibly talented. I love that every character grows over the course of the film, and they need other people to help them grow. Adrian needs Rocky to pull her out of her shell, Paulie needs Adrian to stop putting up with his shit, Mickey needs Rocky to give his life purpose, Rocky needs Mickey to help him grow as a fighter, and Apollo needs Rocky to check his ego. Everyone improves themselves because of somebody else -- it's so great.
character growth.... something so many new(er) movies forgotten .... is needed for a good movie
One of my favorite moments in the film is when the promoter asks Rocky does he want to fight Apollo Creed for the World Heavyweight Champsionship, Rocky thinks it over and then says no. It's surprising as a viewer because we just expected him to automatically say yes, be like, "Oh man, I'd love the chance to fight the champion!" But him saying no, that really shows that the character of Rocky has a high level of intelligence. He may not be book smart, but he's not a sucker. He's self aware enough to know that in the grand scheme of boxing, he's a nobody. The idea of putting him in the ring against Apollo would be like if someone asked me if I wanted to join an NBA team. I mean yeah, as a kid it was always my dream, but to put me out on the court with professional players now at my age would be a joke, an absolute joke. And Rocky can tell that this whole thing to the promoter, to Apollo, it's a joke. He's the butt of a joke, a way for them to make some quick cash. And it takes Rocky less than 5 seconds to realize this. It's such a small, but great bit of character writing.
True. And if you have been the butt end of the joke most of your life you can smell it. The cool kids don't wanna suddenly hang with you without an ulterior motive.
My dad loved to watch Rocky when I was a kid. Every time I watch a Rocky movie it makes me think of all the movie nights I'd have with him. Wonderful memories I keep to this day. I hope to impart similar memories to my own children. So glad you get to dive on in!
This is exactly the same as me. My dad would let me stay up late to watch these movies - I think in part to try and toughen me up as a kid!
These movies are one of the strongest links I have to my dad, he passed away when I was 18 but every time I watch them I feel like I’m watching them with him. Rocky is my favourite movie of all time because of the meaning behind it, the memories I have with it. I proposed to my wife on the steps of Philadelphia
Same as you both. One of like 2 movies my dad would tear up over (other being Rudy) because he was a nobody but smaller. Called stupid by his teachers and told he wouldn’t amount to anything. Worked his butt off and became successful in sports and business later on. He would tell me “don’t believe you can’t do something just because someone tells you that you can’t. If you want it badly enough and work hard to get it, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish.”
I doubt he even remembers but I do. Always will.
My dad took me multiple times to see this movie. I was 9 years old. Today Dad is almost 92 yrs old. He has advance dementia and sometimes doesn't remember who I am until I tell him. I PLAY this movie for him every few weeks. He still remembers "Rocky" and moves to the music. He smiles and laughs at the jokes. Good times. 👍
Interesting note: Rocky invented the training montage as we know it today. Prior to Rocky, they didn't really show the whole training aspect in movies and TV, cause they assumed it would be boring, and lose the audience, so they'd just skip to the relevant part of the story.
Holy shit and F U !
@@jsmithers. Oh yeah, that's why you never saw any of Luke's training aside from the bit with the laser droid, and even there, it was more about expositing the basics of how the Force works, and then they moved on, and had him train between movies. Even in V, they only show a small bit of training with Yoda.
Lol, it legit came from a good place in their hearts, oddly enough. They wanted to focus on entertaining their audiences, and I mean, "Who would wanna see a guy eat healthy, go for some long runs, punch at inanimate stuff, and just DO exercise?"
@@dragonstryk7280 F U !! 🤡
That's super interesting. Thanks for the tidbit.
@@dragonstryk7280 yeah I think they actually did it well in SW, they used his training as exposition and world building at the same time. He goes from clueless in Obi-wan's hut on Tatooine, in learning on the ship, to seeking another master. Then they follow kinda the same trend in Ep. 5 with Yoda.
What Rocky was sniffing before the fight was just a nasal decongestants to help clear the nose and better maintain airflow. Nasal sprays also fight inflammation so when they get punched in the nose, it doesn’t swell and cut off air flow.
Given that rocky had his nose broken in the first round that's probably a good idea.
"Adrian!!!" The drama, the tears, the realisation that this movie is where that's from..... You're the best Nat 😊💛
That's like not knowing where "May the Force be with you" or "Live long and prosper" is from.
Kind of strange.
The story of how this film was made and the struggle Stallone went through to get it made is incredible, it's definitely worth a google. Sylvester Stallone is a movie star today through sheer determination and refusal to give up on his dream.
He was so poor he had to sell his dog to some guy to survive , then had to give the guy almost all the money for the movie and give him a role in the movie to get him back😥
Natalie...
Natalie...
Natalie, thank you for sharing this movie. I saw it with my brother when I was Eleven, he was the only person in my family who gave a damn about me. He would take me out to the movies nearly every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every weekend. Now that he is gone it is rare that I have the opportunity to feel that feeling of sharing such a vital part of my life. Thank you so much!
So sorry to hear about your loss, my condolences.
This whole series is pretty great.
2 is almost as good as 1. 3 and 4 are a lot more 80’s action hero cheese, but still have some great moments. 5 is a little weak, 6 is shockingly great(maybe my second favorite), and the creed movies are excellent.
Perfect summary
Spot on.
5 is alot weak
@@profshad3429 it’s definitely not great. I think it gets a lot more hate than it deserves though. Trying to be a little more moderate to balance out the hot takes.
@@zacsuth it's not the worse Bond movie, imo, but it is very weak. Villian was very mediocre.
@1:30, the story of how Stallone had to fight to get to play this role is a tearjerker.
I’ve heard his first wife was pregnant and they had no money. He could have sold the screenplay and gotten cash. But he knew this was the role that would make him a star. So he asked his wife what she thought. She backed him 100% and the rest is now history.
Feels 😢😭
Stallone had to sell his dog (Butkus in the movie) because he could no longer afford to feed and take care of him. After the movie became a success, he went back to Butkus' new owner and bought him back. He had to pay a lot more for him than he sold him for.
John G. Avildsen went on to direct Karate Kid, and Rocky V (but let's not talk about that one...)
@@bloodymarvelous4790 He didn't pay anything to get the dog back. The guy he sold him to wanted $3000 to buy him back.. or be in the movie. So Stallone actually put him in a little scene in Rocky. He's the short guy taking the trash out in front of the gym.
"He's like a giant golden retriever" that's so spot on
Rocky completely ignoring the result announcement at the end of the fight, to get to Adrian gets me everytime
He didnt care. All he wanted to do was go the distance
Me too.
You'll love watching the beautiful progression of Rocky's character over the years, especially into the new Creed films starring Michael B. Jordan with Stallone in an Oscar-nominated supporting role. One of the most underrated and taken-for-granted movie franchises of all time.
3 and 4 are a major step down from the first two, but still enjoyable and compelling even if the writing isn't as smart anymore. 5 is is garbage. Rocky Balboa is a fantastic return to form for the series "finale" and Creed has been great so far. That's eight movies with only one true stinker, that's an amazing track record.
@@matthewhearn9910 I agree with almost all of that. The franchise really jumped the shark at the start of Rocky 3 with Rocky fighting Hulk Hogan...ugh. Still a lot to enjoy after that moment, though. Unpopular opinion: having Apollo's son fight Drago's son in Creed 2 was real dumb. I was gonna make a joke here about what's next--have Creed fight Mr. T's son in the next movie? Then I read that Stallone likes that idea...I suppose the kid will overcome his daddy issues and grow a mohawk for the climactic fight. Good lord.
I am a HUGE “Rocky” fan. Think the movie is amazing for many reasons, but watching Natalie’s play by play 1st time viewing going through that emotional roller coaster we’ve all been through watching this movie made me love the film even more.
This was fun. Thanks for doing it. 🥊
I loved all the Rocky movies and the creed movies
Rocky's little tantrum was partially Stallone's actual frustration, he said in an interview that the set really stunk like shit, so he ad-libbed that into it.
LMAO Stink Ašs !!
I'm a guy who isn't heavy into sports or "guy" movies, and I think Rocky is a masterpiece. It tells so many stories, so well.
Same.
Amen. Its a love story with some boxing in it. It really is an amazing movie
Yeah, I'm generally not into any movie marketed heavily towards just men or just women, but there are always exceptions.
The ending is so cathartic. Rocky and Adrian are such a wonderful movie couple.
Literally my favorite movie! People forget that this movie won Oscar’s, its that good. That scene with Mick when Rocky goes off… I love it.
she needs to hurry up and whatch all 4 so she can get to Creed i love those two movies just as much as the first two Rocky films, even more so in other ways
More than 4 my bud. Rocky 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and Balboa
@@DaintyBroom2233 you mean all 6? I get that 5 is pile of poop but rocky balboa is pretty good. Personally i really like 6. it might even be my second or 3rd favorite rocky.
@@hectorborzelli6418 i just meant that those were the ones you needed to see in order to watch Creed, i didnt watch the other 2 becuase i heard they wern't very good
I just noticed for the first time- after everything he just went through the first thing Rocky said when Adrian got in the ring after the fight was "where's your hat"
Can't say he isn't observant. ;-)
16:18 Rocky is a Heavy Weight boxer. No need to "make weight". He needs strong legs and endurance for the fight.
Yeah, her confident ignorance was a tad annoying there.
@@Zorak9595 so annoying
Sylvester Stallone was a very struggling actor who wrote the script with the intention that he would star in it. His acting career had gone nowhere. He was offered more and more money for his script but refused because another actor would be cast as Rocky. He was really broke and his wife was pregnant. He stood his ground and held out and finally got his "shot". The rest is history.
I heard he wrote it in three days.
@@titovalasques Great memory. I remember hearing that too.
He was literally so poor he sold his dog because he couldn't afford to feed it. They offered him huge amounts for the script, as long as he didn't star in it, and he still said no. When they did agree, they gave him practically nothing for it or the budget of the movie, as they thought it would flop. It made over 200 million and won an Oscar. Stallone is a movie star through sheer force of will and determination.
@@titovalasques Yeah, he wrote it over a weekend.
@@KS-xk2so I think the dog he sold was Butkus and he bought him back after he got the movie.
Let's face it, this is one of the greatest films ever...in any genre. Stallone was truly blessed when he was writing this film. Flat broke and believing in himself, he insisted that he alone play Rocky no matter what and beat the odds!
he was so broke that he had to sell his dog to keep going and the dog in the movie was really his being given back, so amazing
One of the most unsung scenes...”What about my prime, Mick?” That part gets me.
The apartment scene with Mick is my favorite from the entire movie.
And Rocky did not know at the time that he was, in fact, just entering his prime.
My favorite part of the movie is when Rocky gets back up in the 14th round and you can just see Apollo’s mood just deflate as if he was saying “Are you serious?” And Rocky was like “Come on”
David Goggins
It was great. It was also great in the beginning of the fight when Creed is dancing around and joking, and then when Rocky finally lands that first punch he ends up on the ground for the first time in his career. That look of "Where the f*ck did that come from?!" when he got back up was great. Like it was the last thing he ever expected, and got hit by a truck out of nowhere.
I really hope that Nat will at least watch Rocky II as well.
@@serelryk5365 it’s a really interesting story arc that occurs throughout all of them. I hope she goes through all of them. I still have to watch Creed though.
@@Matty_th Creed and Creed II definitely worth the watch.. Looking forward to Creed III. While it makes sense Stallone is bowing out he'll definitely be missed.
Thanks for watching Rocky. My mother sang in the background ("Getting Hiiiiigherrr...") and still gets residuals everytime someone checks it out!
Those lyrics pump me up just thinking about them. Kudos to your mom for being a part of history!
First movie I saw in a theater, I was a kid. The place went crazy! Stallone did it all, wrote it, starred, even though they didn't want him in the movie. Stallone quote "I know I caught lightening with the first thing I ever did, and I have been trying to equal that for my entire life and haven't been able to do it." Those of us who alive back then, can tell you he captured the mood of the country , especially in urban areas, at that time. This a masterpiece; he nailed it.
"Yo Adrian" is one of the most recognizable lines in film.
"Cut me Lou" is up there too. lol
This movie is really something special. I love that Rocky's motivation isn't winning the fight. He has no expectation to win. He just wants to go the distance and get the girl. That's it. End on his feet, and get the girl. I love the simplicity of that, and the fact that the announcement of the fight's winner is something heard distantly in the background and treated like it doesn't really matter, because to him it doesn't.
So, now go back and watch "Rocky Balboa" again. The amazing thing to me about that movie is that it ends EXACTLY the same way the first movie ended. It is THE capstone to the Rocky story.
I honestly believe Rocky is one of the greatest movies ever made. It has something for everyone to be able to sit and enjoy it
You know all those “retro” items were just plain old “ items” back in 1976, right? You kids crack me up.
Good stuff. Keep it up!
Yeah she was supposed to look like an old maid, not cool
And when she said "I thought it was July 4th", I thought "1976 was 365 July 4ths.". BiCentennial stuff was everywhere.
365 July 4ths. Ain't that the truth! Those CBS Bicentennial minutes got old. It was a fun year though.
feel old yet?!
I thought the same thing. Nothing retro here. Also, being uncomfortable with Rocky and Adrian getting together at his apartment. Perfectly natural interaction, keyword being natural.
The producers wanted to cut the monologue that Rocky gives in bed with Adrian before the fight because they were behind schedule, Stallone fought to keep that in and could only do it in 1 take.
And that's one of my favorite parts! His "Then I'll know for the first time in my life that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood." hits me every time.
this is my favorite movie of all time! I went to Philadelphia just to look for the places where the movie was shot in 2015 and I learned to play the soundtrack on the piano too. It is so inspiring. I love watching people watch this movie for the first time and I loved your reaction!
Adrian is the MVP of the series. I love their relationship.
Rocky is this tough street dude yet realizes he can be vulnerable around her and she won’t think less of him.
Adrian's MVP performance of the series is in Rocky III for me. She sets him right on that beach scene.
Burgess Meredith (Micky) was one of the great character actors of his generation - comedy, tragedy - he played anything and everything magnificently.
First saw him in Clash of the Titans (which I prolly watched on VHS 1k times). By the time dad showed me the Rocky movies, he felt like a relative to me. RIP
@@TedBrogan Look for his version of "Of Mice and Men" with Lon Chaney junior.
Of a few generations.
For me the first time I saw him was as the Penguin in the 1960s Batman series with Adam West
Lots of people seem to get put off watching by Rocky because they mistakenly think it's an action film all about fighting when really it's a drama film about love and life being tough.
I appreciate the Paulie - Adrian sub plot where Paulie blames his own crappy life on Adrian whilst Adrian carries this burden of shyness and timidity that prevents her from escaping. Like for so many people in the world it's a toxic situation but they depend on each other.
Some more fun facts about the movie, at the beginning, that’s Stallone’s brother singing that you called ‘professional’ and was common in Philly, his dad had a part ring side, and when Carl Weathers (Apollo) read for the role with Stallone, he actually asked for a real actor to read with, he didn’t know Stallone was the lead.
Oh, Frank Stallone was in that group? He sings some other things Sly's in, like the iconic First Blood theme music! Makes sense he'd be there (and he sounds like Sly, somewhat.)
You guessed it... frank Stallone. Rip norm macdonald
My favorite scene by far is Rocky in the bathroom and Mick in the hallway. It's so perfect. Mick knows he needs to leave, but he doesn't want to, and closes the door to take a moment. Rock hears the door and thinks Mick's left, sees him, and goes back in the bathroom. And that just totally deflates Mick. The accusations flung through the door totally break Mick, and then to have Rocky run after him to apologize and accept his help.
Gets me every time.
Agree 100 %
Rocky lost his locker because he started doing mob collections and Mick wrote him off because of that. Mick, from his telling, was a very promising fighter in the 20s and 30s, but got chewed up by the fight game (which was very heavily influenced by organized crime in those days) and thrown away. Rocky throwing away his talent to work for Gazzo broke Mick’s heart. That’s why they clicked so much in training. They’re twins with a 30 year age difference.
its ironic that Gazzo is good to Rocky though and never took advantage of him after his success.
@@wasabi5338 I think he thought about it in the second one when he tried to get Rocky to give him his money to invest in condominiums, then had a change of heart when Rocky replied “But I’ve never used them.” Like, “just get out of here, you likeable idiot.” Although Gazzo probably did make a killing on the rematch. Probably told all the problem gamblers “We all like Rocky, but let’s face it. He nearly lost an eye the last time. Last I heard, he was working over at the meat packing plant. So how much do you want to bet on Creed?”
Years ago, Talia Shire said that the original Rocky film is actually a love story more than a sports movie. I totally agree, and that's why it's my favorite. "Adrian!!!" 😍
I can kinda see that. But it’s just a movie about the triumph of the human heart. And I think Stallone managed to hit that on multiple levels with this movie.
"He's such a gentle guy. He loves animals, doesn't want to break Bob's thumb." Legit LOL
Absolutely
Cuff & Link are still with us.
Street corner Doo Wop (acapella) groups were really a thing back then and many of them sounded great. So, the way it was depicted in this movie is pretty legit!
You passed over my favourite scene, which is the one with the promoter at the stadium the night before the fight, the moment Rocky realizes the whole thing is just a show where he's meant to play the clown (and that's when he goes back and tells Adrian he's gonna go the distance). I love the way that scene is shot and the dialogue Rocky has with the promoter.
Watching the recognition of the "Adrian" meme finally land right at the movie's climax just made the whole thing doubly thrilling. That was awesome to watch.
23:19 - The year of the fight/movie was 1976, which was America’s Bicentennial. And the fact that it took place in Philadelphia, where so much early American history took place added to the patriotic atmosphere Creed was making.
28:18 - You said it was really hard to hear the results of the fight. Yeah, Apollo won, but it didn't matter. The fight didn't matter. Again, as I already commented, this isn't a boxing movie. The score and win was just background noise to Rocky and Adrianne's story.
It’s Adrian, short for Adrianna :)
Yep. Exactly. It was intended to be background noise because Rocky achieved his goals that day.
I watched this movie recently, it surprised me a lot, it has much more heart than I expected
It`s the GOAT
When the movie actually focuses on characters and not just the boxing. What a gem.
7:30
Stallone was actually inspired to write the script for Rocky after watching Muhammad Ali’s fight against a little-known boxer named Chuck Wepner in 1975 (a year before Rocky was made), in which Wepner, against heavy odds, went 15 rounds and even knocked Ali down.
Wepner wasn’t a total unknown like Rocky (he was a New Jersey state-level championship fighter), but he was still WAY below Ali’s class to be contending for the world championship belt (and Apollo Creed is an obvious fictional counterpart to Ali from his being the best in the world in the Rocky universe to his flamboyance).
Also, if you’ve done The Godfather, you might recognize Adrien as Connie Corleone, Vito’s daughter (she and Burgess Meredith, who plays Mickey, were two of the only well established actors in the first Rocky film).
Carl Weathers, who plays Apollo, might be more recognizable from later things like Happy Gilmore or The Mandalorian. He was also a linebacker for the Raiders for a few years before becoming an actor & this was his, like Stallone’s, breakout role.
Critics didn't love it, but I liked seeing Carl Weathers star in Action Jackson.
@@jeffthompson9622
Carl Weathers was in Predator as well
@@FINNSTIGAT0R I saw him in that. I mentioned Action Jackson because he was its top-billed star.
100% untrue..
Love this movie. Also watched it as a kid with my dad. He was a huge Stallone fan and this was his all time favorite movie.
Also a big compliment to Burgess Meredith as Mickey. He was absolutely brilliant, he just gave his all. This was the role of his life. And that sure means something in a career that spans over 6 decades!!
The story of how Sylvester wrote this script and all he went through to get it picked up and then to convince them to allow him to play the role is amazing, look in to it. Especially the part about his dog.
Knowing the story makes the movie even better. It's the most inspirational Hollywood story ever.
As someone who is training for amateur boxing, I will say that the conditioning is the hardest part. I've never had to drastically cut weight, but maintaining the stamina and physique to do it is one of the most demanding things I've had to do
A truly amazing boxing movie: Million Dollar Baby. Hillary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman and a pile of Academy Awards.
Not a fan of that film at all. The lesson I take away from it is, when you can't achieve your dreams anymore, just give up and die. Your mileage may vary, of course.
@@GeoffTrowbridge I'm going to put that down to being morally ambiguous and giving people options for their end of life choices, but I can definitely see your point.
15:44 I've always thought that wasn't Rocky asking for or accepting help from Mickey but Rocky giving help to Mickey. It's a typical example of Rocky's generous heart. Even in "Rocky Balboa" (2006), he has given Spider Rico, the fighter he defeated in the club fight at in the opening of "Rocky," a job at his restaurant because Spider has had difficulty holding down a job due to brain damage from boxing, and the filmmakers point this out in the commentary saying that Rocky always wants to help the hurt people he meets.
Well kind of, Spider just wants to wash some dishes for being given a free meal IIRC. I loved the fact that they didn't just bring back the character of Spider, but the actual actor. Same with Duke from Apollos crew. Then the trip down memory lane with the ice rink... the training montage... the hostess... i feel many would decry these scenes as dumb fan service but i thought they were perfect and added a lot to the movie.
@@tkopp10976 "Decades passed and Spider Rico aged. He had suffered head trauma, and it was difficult for him to hold down a job. He is presented as a strong Christian character in the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, where he eats for free at Rocky's restaurant 'Adrian's'. ROCKY ALSO GIVES RICO A JOB IN THE KITCHEN, WHERE HE PREPARES FOOD AND WASHES DISHES. " - Rocky.Fandom wiki page
@@waterbeauty85 I go by what's presented in the movie, not some fan fiction.
Remember the scene, Rocky goes down to the kitchen and is surprised to find Spider there, he even tells him he doesn't have to work, but Spider insists because he doesn't want to be a freeloader so Rocky lets him be.
At the most one might argue whether this unpaid work can be defined as a job, to me Spider is just paying for his meal this way. Rocky isn't paying him.
The movie presents Spider days later in an apron carrying a rack full of wine glasses from the kitchen and setting it on the bar at Adrian's while Rocky and Paulie are talking there, nodding to Rocky when Rocky casually says hi to him, then returning to the kitchen. Additionally, the scriptwriter, Sylvester Stallone, says in the commentary that Rocky has helped Spider regain enough of his self esteem that he's ready to earn his keep instead of living for free off of Rocky's kindness. This is why the cast list on the Rocky_Balboa_(film) wikipedia page says "Pedro Lovell as Spider Rico, Rocky's former opponent and current employee at Adrian's."
I think the part of Mick asking Rocky to let him train him took alot for a person to admit you need help and experience, which is all Mick had left...and Rocky has always looked up to him. It shows Rocky was always heart, no matter what, he loved Mick and he cared for him too.
18:00 “Women weaken…”
Her face was so primed for getting triggered and then when Mick said “legs” she started smiling again. 🤣
🤡🤡
@@jsmithers. what?
@@ash_1419 🤡💩
@@jsmithers. 🤡👎🏼
@@ash_1419 Stfų 🤡
My favorite shot is when Apollo knocks Rocky down for the final time in the fight and Rocky somehow still gets up and Apollo just has this look like "Damn, what do I have to do to keep this guy down," You owe it to yourself to watch the whole series. Rocky 2 is actually really good but then they start trailing off until Rocky Balboa (Rocky 6) and then the Creed movies are also really good
Trailing off? I strongly disagree. It's once in a blue moon when a film can have 4 sequels and they're all solid. All of the Rocky films are good, some are just better than others IMO. Personally, 3 and 5 are my favorites. I know everyone loves 4, and I really like the whole "US vs USSR" angle they took with it, (especially since it came out when tensions between the US and USSR were the highest they've ever been since the missile crisis) but I just think it wasn't as good as it could've been
Here's a great example of why I enjoy reactions so much. The best ones are those from people who wouldn't normally watch a particular genre as Natale shows with this reaction. That was fun. Thanks Ms Gold.
🤠 I saw this as a high school freshman when it debuted in theaters and spent the next 3 months walking around impersonating Rocky🥊 which had to be SO annoying for my family and friends. 😂
Before the fight Rocky is using a nasal decongestant, I believe, to allow him to breathe as easily as possible through the nose.
Yup Afrin...stuff is addictive if you use it too much
Rocky is deservedly an American movie classic. When I finally watched it for the first time I was struck by how much of the movie was totally not boxing but Rocky, hanging out in the hood doing Rocky things, which I really enjoyed.
There’s a story about Sylvester being so broke that he had to sell his dog and after this movie he was able to get him back. Now you have to watch the whole series up to Creed 2. There’s more to the storyline than just boxing.
For years, I thought that Rocky was the first movie to use a Steadicam. (It actually wasn't.) But between the amazing score and the way the camera seemed to float along beside him, that run up the stairs was one of the most moving things moviegoers had ever seen. It holds up today. Great movie choice.
Steadicam trivia: The Steadicam is the reason Rocky is set in Philadelphia and why we got that run up the stairs. The inventor of the Steadicam filmed his girlfriend running up and down the stairs to use in a promo video for his new invention. He was showing the footage around Hollywood to try and sell it and John Avildsen saw the footage and asked where those steps were... ua-cam.com/video/M1Gt51hvBm0/v-deo.html
Im at 15:54 in to this video, Im impressed how you analyze vs where a few other "first time watching" are mostly into emotional pov. The scene of Rocky drinking raw eggs. I watched my now late father do the same thing in front of when I was a child just to prove it could be done
I didnt saw Rocky for years...and when I finally did it was a full experience. I find it sad, lovely, tender, and emotive. Some scenes give me easy tears. I like the Christological implicancies, the underdog and the triumph of love above the victory of the power or money
That's the beauty of this movie, it doesn't give you the typical Hollywood ending. Rocky loses the fight but wins because he goes the distance and proves his worth.
Yep. Seriously good storytelling.
I use to think this movie was about boxing. As I got older I realized it's about a guy trying to make something of himself, falling in love and going the distance. It's an amazing movie, and the series has some epic moments. Hopefully you watch Rocky 2 and the others.
The road work, the running, is more about building stamina than reducing weight.
As for the setting of the movie, it's in the kind of neighborhood where Sylvester Stallone really grew up. It's about the kind of guy that Sly looked up to as a kid. He did the best thing any writer can do; he wrote what he knew, and wrote it honestly, warts and all.
You’re talking like this is a modern movie. The glasses Rocky and Adrian were wearing weren’t hipster glasses at the time they were just regular glasses. They were wearing just regular clothes and they were regular people.
Even in the 70s horn-rimmed glasses were an anachronism from previous decades. It was a conscious choice to make Adrian seem like an "old maid."
They also had regular cars too!
Amen Brotha! 🙏
Your explanation for not seeing Rocky yet resonates with me. It came out when I was in HS and my boyfriend basically dragged me to see it with him. I was prepared to hate it but SURPRISE, it turned out to be an incredibly moving drama that just happens to take place in the boxing world. (and the nasal spray is so that the fighters could breathe clearly during the fight.
Great reaction, Natalie! My favorite contrast in this film is the scene in which Rocky sees Apollo Creed telling kids to stay in school on television. It was a good thing -- but not very personal. Yet, moments later, Rocky walks a schoolgirl from the neighborhood home during the night. He gives her very good, personal advice about doing the right thing and making good choices. Yet, when they arrive to her house, the girl gives him a vulgar "up yours" sign and calls him a creep. You can tell that it really hurt Rocky.
When I watch that scene, I feel that the contrast is nearly perfect. Despite his good heart and good intentions, Rocky had no clear voice and no audience. It kind of shaped his own diminished sense of self esteem. So, going the distance is a way to keep himself from going "down for the count" in the ring similar to how he felt his life had gone.
are you little marie,i walked you home and you said screw you creepo.
i didnt say that.
oh yeah ya did,great insults last a long time.
Aging aspiring fighter here. Ugh tearing up just watching a reaction. Full on tears would flow if I watched the whole thing for the 50th time.
The older I get, the more I appreciate this movie. As a kid it was all about the fighting, now decades later it is about life. Such a masterpiece.
Yeah, the result of the fight isn't important to Rocky in the moment. All he knows is he did what he came out to do, go the distance, and there's nothing he wants except to be with Adrian. It's a beautiful moment.
One of the best underdog stories in cinema history. Stallone has a lot of rep as a legendary action hero, but people forget that he wrote/adapted the scripts of his most known characters, and has won serious awards, even an Academy Award for Rocky.
Not true. He was nominated for both lead actor and screenplay, but didn't win either one.
Actually he didn't win anything for Rocky. He was nominated for writing it but didn't win and he wasn't a producer so he didn't win the Oscar for best picture either
The original Trilogy was great. The second and third movies are nearly as good as the first. Better acting and cleaner scripts, but the first was as gritty as it needed to be which made it so iconic. The run through Philly in the second movie is for me the iconic moment. While in the first it was a personal triumph, it takes on a much more intense meaning in the second movie.
I think the 4th is better than the 3rd tbh.
when he walks little marie home and she says "hey rocky,screw you creepo" great insults last a long time.
PS you on the vhs you can hear the camera rolling
Yeah but even the 3rd was starting to border on the ridiculous. Hulk Hogan? lol Hollywood sure had an influence in III, but it did start to seep in in II as well. After III they are all but unwatchable. Though IV is usually a fun reaction movie.
I was always scared for Rocky and loved him for his shear heart and just the humanity of him. Rocky is inspiring.
Would love to see you react to “Cinderella Man”, with Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti. Directed by Ron Howard, it tells the true, 1930’s story of boxer James J. Braddock. But it’s really a love story between a husband and wife (don’t see that very often), and their family’s struggle to survive during the Great Depression. A wonderful film. You won’t be disappointed.
Cinderella Man was fantastic-- should've been a Best Picture, Oscar nominated movie-and another Oscar for Russell Crowe and 1 for Paul Giamatti too!
*Mostly true, but it is a good movie.
It does paint Max Baer as an asshole who intentionally killed a man in the ring.
By all accounts Max Baer was a great guy. He did accidentally kill someone in a match but it horrified him.
Fun facts:
Adrian is played by Talia Shire, who is Nicholas Cage's aunt, and the younger sister of Francis Ford Coppola. At the time of filming, she was actually 30.
The final fight was filmed in a then-revolutionary way, whereby the final round was prepared and shot first, working backwards to the first round. This technique was a primary reason the film won for Best Film Editing at the 1977 Oscars.
While filming that first kiss between Rocky and Adrian, Talia Shire was hesitant to go through with it at the time, because she was recovering from a bout of the flu. Sylvester Stallone didn't mind this, and filmed the scene anyways.
The overall quality of this series is pretty crazy. 5 is the only one I’d actually call a bad movie. 3 and 4 are a little cheesy but good cheese. 1, 2, and Rocky Balboa are all fantastic. And the Creed movies have been really good so far.
I don't like the Creed movies. They're like the Star Wars sequel trilogy; made by people who know how to make the pieces, but have no idea how they fit together.
I wouldn't call 5 a bad movie, it's different and probably the weaker of the series, but in no way is it bad.
Fun fact: Stallone still owns those turtles to this day
I didn't know that, but my day has been made learning that! :)
no he doesn't. 24 people voting yes ... based on a lie. This is why non migrants are murdered.
Love the story of Butkus which was his dog in real life. Story is Stallone sold his dog for $25 because he couldn’t afford him. Once he got the Rocky deal he was able buy him back for $15,000 and include him in the film.
This movie is in my Top 5. I absolutely adore it. I interpret Rocky as really not being that great a fighter, at one point maybe he was, which makes the film about willing yourself to surpass your limitations and proving to yourself that you're more than what you think. As well as getting past what your surroundings suggest of you. Even if its just for one night. I think the fact that his goal wasn't to win the championship is different and very powerful to me. Something that the sequels go away from, but I definitely still love all of them.
This movie is great. That said now that you're invested into the characters you need to watch Rocky 2. I guarantee you will cry.
The awesome part is this screenplay (really all 6 screenplays) was written by Sylvester Stallone.
Can’t believe you never watched any of the other ones 😒 truly iconic series
Rocky II is my favourite of the series as it's a little more focused on them as a couple and their life as opposed to a fight. Rocky III is great as well. Rocky IV is a bit silly, but it's fun enough.
I don't think there's any bad Rocky films TBH. People hate on the fifth one, but I really like it.
Rocky 2 is my favorite too when Adrian tells Rocky to Win, Win was my all time favorite part cause in that moment, Rocky had her blessing and her confidence that he could Win. If that was real life, Apollo lost already in that moment
I personally like 3...Rocky dealing with success and loss...plus Mr. T is the best "villain" in the series.