Tonight I made the obligatory movie run to see the sixth installment in Stallone’s Rocky series. Afterall, I grew up on Rocky. I can remember being galvanized by the character’s shear will and determination in the proverbial underdog-does-good scenario. But this time something was different. I dare say it was Stallone, not as Rocky, but as himself. It took a lot of guts to sell Hollywood and the public a sixth Rocky. The same gumption and resilience he had to tap when he first peddled the script to the uninviting movie executives who at first were interested in the screenplay – sans Stallone – back in the 70′s. Can you imagine?
I’m delighted to report that this last episode in the Rocky saga surpassed my expectations, with Stallone successfully capturing the mood and lessons from the first film back in 1976. A lot of heart, humble chatter, and a subtle beauty in simple characters illuminate the screen at every turn. Yes, there is a somewhat predictable storyline. The haunting scenes from the worn city streets, the downtrodden players just getting by, and the triumph of the human spirit. But in these days of war and e-Coil outbreaks, why not a little reminder of that special something we innately possess which allows us to move mountains – or step into the ring to make another Rocky movie?
I don’t want to give anything away here, but it felt as if the film mirrored Stallone’s willingness to go for the gold – and do number six – regardless of what others would think of him. He called upon his inner strength, faith and resilient nature to fly in the face of reason. True to form, that’s what Rocky does, regardless of being attached to the outcome.
