The Story of Rocky Balboa (2006) - Review & Retrospective
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- NOW ON PATREON: / laytoneversaul
I tell the story behind one of Hollywood's biggest comebacks: 2006's "ROCKY BALBOA", the sixth film in the "Rocky" franchise. I dive deep into its troubled development, production, and legacy. Directed by Sylvester Stallone. Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, and Geraldine Hughes.
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I cry like a baby every time I watch Rocky Balboa, just like every time I watch the original... I love the character and his whole trajectory.
No kidding, Ivanildo, mee too, pouring tears.
Yeah, I struggled to keep it together with this one.
Keeping Rocky as a supporting character in the Creed films is the ultimate end to his character arc. He's finally content, he needs nothing more than what he has. He's no longer searching for love, for purpose, for happiness. He's had all those things finally.
I don't like the idea of him struggling to get by financially in the creed movies though...I mean regardless of the events of Rocky 5, you own a restaurant and you're a retired world champion you should be getting all kinds of royalty money
@@leestens5539 I know, he deserves to be wealthy after all he went through
They literally took the character back to zero: lonely, depressed, suicidal, even more broke, and needing Adonis to spark some meaning to his life. Basically making Rocky Balboa (2006) redundant.
Speaking of the Creed movies, Apollo has two children. (Seen in Rocky 2 when Apollo was reading hate-fan mail). Instead of having his legitimate son following in his fathers footsteps by being a boxer, some genius (sarcasm) decided to make Apollo an adulterer with a bastard son. I mean, Apollo's kids isn't referenced at all. (Except for in Rocky 3 when Apollo influences Rocky) A total disservice.
@@SugarRayCharles. imagine they go through creed I - V and dont do anything about adonis' "siblings." i mean it kinda makes sense not to though because they really didn't matter to begin with🤣🤷♂
"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving."
That is an inspiration speech to live by.
Its true motivation
Every time i have an important interview or meeting or a situation where i have to take a chance and feel any sort of nervousness or anxiousness, I listen to that speech. It gets me feeling like I could take on the world. Say what you want about Sly, but I can't see anyone else playing Rocky.
I start to tear up and get goosebumps everytime I see it.
It’s very timeless and inspirational. I’m an actor and often recite that monologue in auditions, and I’ve gotten a few roles with it!
Today is my 50th birthday and I’ve been a huge fan of the series since I saw “Rocky III” back during Summer vacation when I was 11. Over that time, my perception of the series has evolved from simply great entertainment to important, universal life lessons.
Absolutely
Myself n thousands of other teens started working out in our basements /garages cause of this man....love him
Yes💪💪💪
Some of us are still working out !🏋️♂️🏋️♂️👍💪💪💪😃🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
@@randybarnett2308 put on "Hearts on fire"from rocky n my 52year ole butt will start doin them 1arm pushups....lol
That's for damn sure!!!
@@maineh488 😃💪
Absolutely
Man, that scene where Rocky is standing on his old stoop and imagines Adrien standing there DESTROYED ME. All of Rocky's loneliness and loss summed up in one shot.
Rocky Balboa is a great movie.
Same here
Awesome Scene, Poignant and Emotional.
Completely agree. While aware of them, I had never actually watched the Rocky movies until recently, and then watched them all in the last few weeks. Seeing them all back to back like that, the loss of Adrian hits especially hard. A bold choice, and I definitely shed a few tears.
I’m ringside at the fight in ROCKY BALBOA! Love seeing people talk good about that one! It’s a personal favorite!
My favorite scene is when Paulie shows up at the restaurant and he says “it takes guts getting in the ring knowing you are going to take a beating. You’re gonna do alright.”
Stallone revived his career with this film and made another true Rocky installment. It might be his biggest accomplishment he achieved since writing that first film!
I was first in line the night this movie came out. I could just tell how much heart he had put into it and was not gonna miss it. Rocky was my idol as a little boy and my appreciation and admiration for Stallone is something that is truly ingrained into the fiber of who I am as a man and I can honestly say I absolutely love this movie.
Loved it. It totally made up for the ill taste that Rocky 5 left and gave the character a proper farewell to the boxing ring. And I still cry every time at Rocky’s speech to his son. To me it’s a classic.
The Rocky saga is the greatest of all time. Till this day, "going the distance" by Bill Conti brings me to tears.
I was there!!! In December 2005 with sly! As a audience extra!!! Something i will never forget! In my life!!
AngeloR674 That’s awesome!
@@LaytonEversaul thanks!!...It was a unbelievable feeling to see slyvester stallone in the flesh!!...He was all business when he was filming!...
This was an excellent documentary you have a new subscriber here. That montage of rocky balboa that you did was just epic
Thank you!
@@LaytonEversaul same here. this was like the documentary i didn't know i needed right now, thank you, great work, it was an adventure
i agree, it was a proper epic documentary
I had never been interested in sports movies in general because they all fit the same pattern, they lose, they get back up, there's a profound monologue from the coach and they win 🏆. Rocky however is the only exception, it's not just a boxing movie it's a story with depth of two people just floating around in life completely unnoticed find each other while giving each other the strength to become the best versions of themselves they could be. Its not just a story of triumph in the ring but in life and no matter how misunderstood you are or tell yourself if you can find that one person in life to make you feel complete then anything is possible. It's a beautiful story.
All the Rocky series were watched by my wife, my two sons and myself! They were all the films that were inspirational to many generations new and old! they were the best films ever made! One more would be great to close the legacy with him being the victor! So YES one more!
I absolutely adore BALBOA and have watched it more times than ROCKY III. And I am not ashamed to say it made me cry in good ways--especially when Paulie finally formed coherent thoughts to give Rocky a piece of his mind and when Rocky gave his son the ultimate tough love speech.
The film "Rocky Balboa" is a testament to the spirit of man and the spirit of filmmaking. What a masterpiece.
Rocky is the greatest inspirational character of all time. He is my number 1 movie hero. In fact, I would not get to where I am today had it not been for the lessons of the Rocky saga. And that is to never give up and keep showing up. Rocky did not have much going for him. He was not smart, nor was he a very talented athlete. THrough this movie and even in life, I learned that you don't always have to be the best or to be at your best to succeed. Sometimes all that matters is showing up.
Rocky (1976), II (1979) and Balboa (2006) form one of the most powerful cinematic trilogies.
I remember hearing about this movie coming out. Even the "I'm bringing Rocky back" parody on MAD TV. I was surprised by how good this was.
They were making fun of this movie in 1987 before Rocky 5 even came out. Spaceballs: "Rocky......5 THOUSAND!"
Or the poster, from Airplane 2, with Rocky XXXIII.
My twin brother and me got to attend the final fight in rocky balboa! You can see us in the crowd cheering for rocky! What an experience!!!
Rocky was the feature film on Home Box Office (now HBO) in February, 1978. I saw it all twenty-three times it aired that month. I had also seen it live in the theatres. One Sunday in August, 2006 right after dawn filming of Rocky Balboa's speech scene took up 20th-21st on Walnut, causing my ride home (the 21 bus) to detour (I was running errands early).
Always loved how the actor playing Balboa's son has the exact same paralyzed lip movement. I don't know if he has the same nerve damage, or if it's just how his lip moves, but it's such a good casting decision.
Get a heart from the man himself! Love the vids!
Stallone’s nerve was severed at birth by forceps. Ventimiglia was just born with damaged nerves.
Rocky 6 (2006) is highly underrated that movie was full of emotion and was the right way for Rocky to ride off into the sunset
It was relatable. ..well done.
The first and Rocky balboa. .the last were the best in my opinion.
Goddamn, I love Rocky.
Really surprised me. Stallone made the wise decision to make this one more grounded and not as over-the-top as the sequels.
Rocky's speech to his son is one of the best motivational and inspirational speeches ever in any movie. A powerful truth that resonates far beyond just a fictional movie statement and one that speaks to everyone about being accountable to yourself for your own life's trajectory and story.
I have seen the original Rocky like literally dozens of dozens of times and I just realized that at 1:39 it kind of looks like Jergens is pissed at the time keeper, which is funny cause the time keeper is Stallone's father
I feel we each live a life on a continuum. We grow into certain moments throughout life that we cant explain to younger people on the continuum. For example: getting your license, turning 18, turning 21,getting married,having kids,helping your kids understand their own continuum,turning 30,40,50,60,retiring,being old,being alone,then facing your continuum ending. I know I missed quite a few. lol We can see this through out the Rocky series along with Sylvester Stallone's career/ life.
Actually to be honest , the movie he did in the late 1990s called Cop Land was very good and he was great in it.
His greatest performance in my opinion. He even went all out as a method actor and didn't care about his image there. He showed how much capable he is as an actor with a right director and script.
I came here to say the same thing. Aside from Rocky and First Blood, Cop Land is my favorite Stallone movie. Very underrated, with a stellar cast.
I’m so happy to be a part of this legendary film and franchise!
I was a kid when this movie came out, my dad took me to the movies to see it. I never saw the previous films at that point, but I loved it. I think my generation really remembered the monologue between rocky and his son - “it’s not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward”
Layton, your Story of videos are always fantastic! Rocky Balboa is easily one of my favorites of the franchise, it was the first Rocky film I was able to see in the theater and it was one of my favorite film going experiences having grown up on the previous entries. Great job on the video, really looking forward to seeing what films you do next.
Thank you very much! It was my first in theaters, as well.
I'd love to see a final ROCKY movie as a pure drama; even if he dies, do so in such a way that celebrates the character's attitudes in life and then his "rejoining" Adrian. I think it could be done and stand on it's own as the story of a man who succeeded in life due to faith and effort despite all odds.
This is a really good review. Great job. I personally enjoyed all of the Rocky and Creed movies. As for Sly himself, his "never give up" approach to life is inspiring.
Ian Grant Thanks for watching!
I AM ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENTLY FEATURED EXTRAS RINGSIDE AT THE FIGHT AT THE END! LOVE THIS MOVIE AND GETTING TO BE IN IT!
This is so great. Thank you for this great retrospective.
Thanks for watching!
It was the first Rocky movie I saw. Love it!
Have you caught up yet? My fave is Rocky 4....childhood memories x
@@darnitthelma4247 Of course! All Rocky's and all Creeds
@@CroweDharmaReloaded I read your original comment wrong sorry! My sister has never seen any of them!! I find it completely bizarre!🤣
@@darnitthelma4247 rocky 1 will always be the best imo. 4 was great as well tho
Appreciate your hard work and research Layton with your documentaries. They’re always so good. 👍
Thank you very much!
@@LaytonEversaul Sure. Have a great and safe holiday season.
Rocky Balboa was a great final chapter for the Rocky series. You did a great job with this retrospective. I would have liked to see Carl Weathers return in a flashback similar to the Mickey scene in Rocky V.
Awesome profile photo.
@@111highgh Thanks!
@@111highgh I like yours too.
TY.
I cried through almost the whole movie. A strong conclusion to the series and on my list just below the first installment
I remember when Rocky Balboa came out. The studio didn't realize how many fans wanted Rocky back, one last time. People loved the film when it hit, had the heart of the first movie. Was a fitting end to his story, and later paved the way for Creed's story. I have a lot of love for Rocky 6.
Love the Elton John- Measure of a man at the end, even though 5 wasn’t good, it still had a tad of heart with Mickeys speech at the beginning of the film. Overall great review!!! Can’t wait for Creed 3 directed by Michael B Jordan himself 🙏
Hail Mary Podcast I agree! I’m excited to see what he can do with the character. Thanks for watching!
Agree 100%
I loved 5
I also thoroughly enjoyed 5.
I'm not a huge fan of 5, but I do love the moment at the end when Tommy knocks Pauly down, and Rocky says "you knocked him down, now why don't you try knockin me down". Awesome line and delivery.
Rocky Balboa is right behind Rocky 1 & 2 as my favorite Rocky film. It's not trailing them by much in my book.
Little did we know back then that we‘d get a whole new movie series out of Rocky with Creed, which are not only great movies themselves, but where we‘d see Rocky again and Sly putting up an amazing performance. Thanks for the memories, Sly!
I’ve had this video pop up in my UA-cam algorithm a lot recently and I had to check out this video for myself. I’m midway through this video and it’s everything I could ever ask for in a Rocky retrospective, especially as someone who is so fascinated in this franchise and wants to view them all for myself someday. This sort of content truly appears to be your ‘bread and butter’, from the editing to the organization of storytelling from varying timelines and films. I really hope for the best as your channel grows, you definitely have more than convinced me to subscribe and check out your other content :)
Thanks for watching and for the support! These longer retrospectives are a fairly recent edition to my channel, but, as you said, they will be my bread and butter from here on out. Please forgive the "technical" quality of my earlier stuff. I hope I improve with each video.
@@LaytonEversaul That’s so cool! Also, I tend to try to improve with each, new video project I create as well so no worries 😅
My hero and a lifelong inspiration The greatest period.
Well now you've done it friend..
Rocky marathon at my place.
Love this movie. The original was David Goggins inspiration and that man is a machine
Rocky I, 2 and Rocky Balboa are the best ones for me .. coz .. in those Sylvester Stallone was able to being able to express and present of HIMSELF in the most natural way in thêse particular Rocky series. I also love all the other Rocky movies of course.
So glad I came across your channel the other day via a suggested Jaws retrospective which I really enjoyed. I really enjoyed your Jaws 2 retrospective also and then this. As a lifelong Rocky fan I went to the cinema in the UK to watch this. I felt bad for nearly crying, but then the bloke sat next to me just crumbled and I quickly followed suit!! You really did the film justice, another great retrospective. Subscribed
Thank you!
@@LaytonEversaul and top of my UA-cam suggestions tonight is your Childs Play retrospective funnily enough so that's my bedtime viewing sorted haha. Greetings from the UK
I just watched this film for the first time tonight. And my goodness was I surprised. I love this film. Easily my favorite of the 6 films and sim so glad I saw it.
Just like the musicians that we are there to listen to, so we were there to watch these movies. We were there in time to hear and see it all happen. . . . It was beautiful.
I have nothing but massive respect and admiration for Stallone. I've always thought that he's one of those people who truly deserve their fame and fortune. He worked so hard for everything he has achieved in his life. Stallone's lifestory is actually very similar to Rocky's, as both started from zero and became absolute superstars through hard work and determination.
I can tell you put a lot of work into this, it shows. You're dope, I wish you all the success, and I'm watching all the rest of your vids. My favorite inspirational franchise, you served very well. Appreciate it.
One thing I really love about the final fight is after he finished the fight and tries to leave the arena, his team pushes him back into the walkout area to soak in the moment, and just truly say goodbye to the ring and the fans. It shows how humble rocky is, and his team instantly understanding that and just shoving him in to bathe in the moment and truly take it all in one last time.
This is your best review since psycho 2
DAMN NATION I appreciate that!
I absolutely loved this movie. I thought it was pretty cool that I was seeing a new Rocky movie with my 7 year old son.
This was a really great video to celebrate an absolutely amazing film. This was the first Rocky movie I saw in theaters and it made me cry. I remember the hype surrounding the early stages of production and how nail biting it was to even hear if it would be greenlit or not.
Well done, sir.
I had Rocky Legends for XBOX back in 06,it was a pretty fun game
Bill Conti
Straight up legend
I love each and every rocky and creed movies , i love the rocky character, hes an inspiring guy
Great job on the review, Layton. Most underrated movie reviewer in the biz! Love the behind the scenes pics and clips.
Tim Alton Thank you, Tim!
I love all the Rocky movies ( yes even 5 ) but this one is a particular highlight in the series
It is the PERFECT farewell to one of cinemas greatest characters .
I like that he is a supporting character in the Creed movies but this was the real end to the Rocky story , I had to wait a bit to walk out of the cinema as I had a few ugly man tears going
Bro, I can tell by the work, the style, the story within the story that you put together, that YOU are a true Rocky fan. That’s what makes this video so darn great, and may I say beautiful.
I’ve done some toy unboxing reviews of the 2006 figures but I feel like I didn’t do them any justice after watching this... TWICE!
Thank you! I knew 90% of the facts, but watching was a lot more fun than falling in a Google search hole.
Sylvester Stallone’s story is beyond inspiring! I saw the first Rocky movie at a drive-in and wasn’t impressed but later learned to love it and understood the message of not giving up and the importance of going the distance. I loved the Rocky Balboa movie and couldn’t stop crying. He did an amazing job recreating the heart and soul of the first Rocky movie. I loved how he reconnected the characters, the storyline and reprising Bill Conti’s haunting, beautiful and soulful music soundtrack. Much respect to Sylvester Stallone for not giving up and believing in himself and his dreams.
One of my all time favorite movies. Defiantly the best quoted movie! Great video!
LoepkeVisionFilms Thanks for watching!
@@LaytonEversaul Thanks for the great content!
I got that impression of the ending fight decision too, even though Tarver wins the bout its the roaring public that still chant Rocky Balboa as the real champ in their hearts.
Splendid. That my evening sorted.
The perfect conclusion for the franchise. Stallone nailed this one out of the park and it's probably one of the best movies he ever made. Its up there to Rocky 1 but i feel like this movie has a better storytelling than every single rocky movies because it aint about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward and how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!
I saw the first one in 1976 at the theater and I have loved all the Rocky sequels, and when he makes the 50th-year anniversary sequel in 2026 you can bet I will be in his corner again, the one thing you can say about Sylvester Stallone is he has ❤ (HE IS ROCKY) 🥊
Well done. Balboa was a love letter to its fans. Also love Stallone's tenacity in his filmmaking. Always a favorite. As for another Rocky film? Only if Stallone writes it.
I meant Stallone when filming this and it was like fate. Hes my fav. actor and I always looked up to him. He was filming a scene that never made it to even the deleted scene section with the exception of an outside shot of city hall. They were filming Rocky jogging to city hall going to see if he would get the boxing license. But people wouldn't stop trying to talk to him and this one extra, in particular, kept looking into the camera after telling him to act natural and just walk as of he were walking to lunch. But he kept doing it. Finally, Stallone blew his top and sai " F-it Role it and let it go!' But right after that they stopped again and he shrugged his shoulders. I said how ya doing Mr. Stallone, he literally stopped looked at me and said " not too good, how are you kid nice to meet you and shook my hand! I'll never forget it, it was like we were the only two people at that moment. It was short but he did shake my hand. Then of course this one security guy who kept screaming at my friend and I he yelled again lol. but he only stopped and said hello to me I'll never forget it!
I sort of consider the first two Rocky movies as one continuous story, and I've got Rocky Balboa right behind them, so second or third favorite depending on if you count them as separate films. It's probably the one I've rewatched the most besides the first. As a boxing fan, I love how realistic the angles and camerawork are in the first round of Rocky vs Dixon, and the fact that Stallone had the determination to actually throw hands with a legitimate boxing champion for his vision. Really great stuff.
Great video ! Thanks for uploading, this made my day all sunshines and rainbows
Vincent van Oostrom Thanks for watching!
That part about Carl Weathers is absolutely crazy!
Rocky Balboa has always been the true starter of long sequels way past it should have been but actually was worth the wait
with hollywood digging up any famous past movies, rocky balboa did it first
You are absolutely correct. Stallone created the sequel industry, and the "long overdue" sequel industry. Hollywood should kiss his ass.
Why were the lyrics to, Measure of a Man, deleted?
Someone is not an Elton John fan.
The character’s journey is a reflection of life for everyone…very relatable.
One thing...what you said about all championship belts in the film belonging to Tarver may have been true but there's one exception...the belt worn by Rocky throughout the series was also featured in the fight at the end
Talia Shire is so pretty.
This movie ment so much to me my brother's car broke down on the way to see it and we walked the of the way had to catch the next showing missed the first but totally worth it
Everysong on that original soundtrack is fire. Puts you right there on the streets of Philly.
3:45- wasn’t always like that cuz he kept struggling with other projects until Rambo 1 & Rocky 3, Stallone truly became the biggest star
That thing with Carl Weathers is nuts if true. How did he think his dead character was going to be involved in any further Rocky movies?!
What a fantastic documentary. Thank you.
One of the best sequels ever made. Growing up with Rocky and seeing 3,4 & 5 in the movie theater, I was so nervous when 6 came out. I kept saying to myself, "just be better than 5." Amazingly, it was soooooo much better than I could have imagined. It isn't perfect, a weak villain, some of the Little Marie storyline and the fight at the end keep it from perfection (re: in Rocky 1, Rocky use to be friends with Marie's older brother, but that's forgotten. As is Andy and the bar. Also, the scene when Marie visits Rocky in his hotel room before the fight is both awkward & unnecessary. He should have been visited by Duke, Apollo's trainer, and the conversation should have been about Rocky's intentions and him not following in Apollo's footsteps with this fight. Instead, Marie needlessly brings him a picture of Adrien and wishes him good luck).
Anyway, Stallone did what neither Spielberg nor Lucasfilm could do with Indy and Star Wars. He wrote, directed and starred in a film that does a franchise justice!!
Rocky Balboa deserves it's place among the earlier movies. A lot more than the inferior Creed & Creed 2 do.
In fact, Stallone could have made another great sequel with the plot of Creed 2, but alas...
I could watch this amazing man in several more solo productions. He could really enlarge the Rocky franchise with more Creed type films and films that include former opponents as friends facing incredible odds in life. The well of ideas to draw from is considerably deep. The same goes for the Rambo franchise. He could do films on entirely new characters and develope motivational movies along the same lines as his own movies.Yes, he should make more. He has a touch that is rare in both acting, storytelling and production. Everybody that I know wants more Sly ! He has become the lifeblood of boxers and veterans of war. We all love him !
Damn, carl weathers acts like apollo in real life too, lmao!
I was delightfully surprised when this turned out to be the best film since the original Rocky. Now, let him be. Go out on a winner.
Oh my God!! You did it!! One of the Best Videos about Rocky here on UA-cam!!!! Awesome!!!!
I loved all the ROCKY movies! My only regret is that my dad didn't live to see the last one. We love Rocky and always will! Can't wait till ROCKY 50 !!!
Layton, this is why I love this medium. This recap is out of this world good. I'm so happy that you tube exists to give creative people like you an outlet to showcase your art.
Great job.
I loved every minute of this.
Ronald Tartaglia
Ronald Tartaglia Thank you very much! And thanks for watching. It wouldn’t be as fun without an audience.
@@LaytonEversaul yeah my man it was very impressive and respectful of the franchise as a whole. I bet you can guess what I'm doing for next 90 minutes.
Time to watch Rocky Balboa again😊
This was a good review. I have not seen Rocky Balboa yet, but this has made me want to. I was a big fan of Rocky as a kid, but then kind of moved on to other things, so I didn't rush to see this movie. But now that I have seen the review, I think I would like it. It's a different kind of underdog movie. Now it is about a guy who has achieved glory in the past, but is aging and trying to deal with the issues associated with that. Like with the original movie, this appeals to regular people because its something (aging) that we all have to fight.
Did you see it? It's a fantastic movie, for all the reasons you mentioned
Been looking forward to this!
I didn't outrightly grow up with the rocky franchise but seeing it as young as 13 or 14 at the time being on AMC. I fell in love with it and ever since then I fondly look back at how influential it was for me.
Hi, thank you for making this great video. I just discovered your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching your videos.
I have a special affinity for this film and am so glad you covered it. I actually had a SMALL part in this film- I played one of Milo Ventimiglia (Rocky’s Son, Robert) in three scenes. The role is nothing to brag about, most of the scenes I was in were cut) but I did appear a few times in the background of some shots in the final print.
I lived in Philly going to film school at the time (go Drexel!) and anytime there was a tv/ movie production in town the productions usually put out calls to the local film schools for opportunities for internships, extras work etc.
Funny enough I didn’t know about Rocky Balboa filming but on the very day of my 21st Birthday I decided to skip class and was walking near 30th street station where I happened to see a film crew. I was fascinated and decided to take a closer look. Now obviously productions don’t like to advertise what they are filming to avoid drawing crowds / diehard fans but I happened to see one of my classmates working on the project as a PA. I chit chatted with him for a few minutes before the second AD came by. After a quick conversation it came up that it was my 21 birthday and they decided to offer my a small role as a young business person. As luck would have it I had decided to dress up and was in business casual clothes and a nice winter jacket. Now they were already filming so clearly they had already done all the casting required for the script but apparently they liked to improvise with how Rocky is always acknowledged by the local Philadelphians. Before I knew it I was on set and my job was to walk up to Sylvester Stallone and say ‘hey Balboa you’re back!’ This was the scene when Rocky goes to the office building to visit his son and catches him in the lobby and ends up taking a photo with Robert’s boss. My job was to interrupt Rocky to say my line and go up the escalator behind him. We filmed the scene a few times and then later they had me put on different clothes to then ride the escalator up behind Rocky as he leaves (with the scene ending).
Now Stallone is a huge guy but he is not tall. I’m 6’2” and even getting on the escalator a few steps behind Stallone I was too tall for the camera angle so they reshot it without me. Sadly for this scene they edited around me. And didn’t use the escalator footage. If you watch that scene there’s already 4 - 5 instances where people acknowledge Rocky in passing (usually it’s just dubbed dialog added in post). So bummed I wasn’t used because I had a close up with Stallone which would have been amazing on so many levels.
In another scene scrapped all together (I sincerely hope it had nothing to do with my acting abilities) I rode the elevator with Milo and some others and we chit chat about seeing Rocky and teasing Milo for being ‘baby Rocky.’ Basically it was a scene of Robert being hassled at the end of the day by his coworker buddies and we were in our way to the bar (the scene later in the film where the Robert watches the hypothetical Rocky fight in tv). The elevator scene was chopped probably because it was nearly entirely redundant and everything was conveyed at the bar (Robert is embarrassed by his father and living in his shadow). I was at the bar scene was well and can be scene in some wide shots.
After that my role was done but I had made friends with some production people and knew where they were going to be filming for the next few days so I tagged along and watched as a pedestrian since it was a closed set. I got to see the scenes filmed in Little Italy where Rocky goes in the white van to buy cheese and other ingredients for his restaurant.
As I was a non-union extra on the film I got paid a princely sum of $55 in chance for my first day of work. The check was issues by ‘Puncher Productions’ and has the movie title on the check. I decided to NOT cash the check and instead framed it for my memorabilia.
I also did sneak a few dozen photos while on set using a ‘then cutting edge’ Sony point and shoot camera that took maybe 1.0 MP photos. I’d be delighted to share them though many are poor quality since they were being sneakily taken from my coat pocket etc :).
It was a blast to be a microscopic part of the film and watching this video brought back some fond memories. Though I must admit that when goi g to see the film in theaters opening weekend I was crestfallen to see that 99% of what I did didn’t make it into the final cut but it was still fun to do and see.
That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing.
I loved this. Thank you. Laughed at the same beats.
Great documentary and great movie. Had the inspirational drive equal as ROCKY!
This was a real surprise! It actually restored the character's dignity and Rocky's story should have ended here...
Excellent video, thanks for making it. I liked this movie a lot more than I thought I would back when I saw it for the first time.
Well done retrospective. many thanks for the effort.
My father never gave me anything to believe in but Rocky Balboa did. Bless you Mr.Stallone.
One of my favorite's in the franchise
Very well written and the music was incredible
My favorite movie of all time. I was in the building in Vegas when they filmed the final fight, was in Vegas by coincidence but definitely made it a point to be there when I realized it was going on at the same time I was there.