Monday 25 January 2016

Blind Spot Review: Rocky (1976)

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Ah, it feels good to be back on the Blind Spot wagon! Earlier this month, Jenna and I watched Creed, and although we really enjoyed it, we both agreed we’d have probably found it better if we had any knowledge of the Rocky movies. So that’s how the original ended up on our Blind Spot list! If you fancy reading an abysmal attempt at us both trying to understand how boxing even works, check out our review of Creed here.

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Rocky (1976) is the story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a struggling boxer who works as a debt collector by day. When the undefeated heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) looks to set up an exhibition match to give a newcomer a chance at fighting him, Rocky, the Italian Stallion is chosen, and thus begins Rocky’s training and the wedding march ;-)

I’m just going to go straight out and say it. I wasn’t expecting to love this movie. I wanted to watch it, don’t get me wrong, especially after watching Creed, but all I was hoping to gain from it was an understanding of the story. I was engrossed from the first few minutes, and was kind of gutted when it ended, which is unusual for me, 2 hours is normally the point that I start to give up.

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Rocky is such a loveable character! This is a guy who goes from using intimidation tactics to collect debts to dropping by a pet store just for the chance to spend a few minutes with the girl who’s captured his heart. What a guy!  I didn't expect Rocky to be the character he was, i expected this big ol' hardman that never lets up so to see him fall in love and be all romantic was a pleasant surprise.

Watching Rocky and Adrian’s (Talia Shire) relationship grow was definitely a highlight for me. It reminded me so much of Adonis and Bianca's relationship in Creed, they've obviously really taken note from Rocky when making Creed.  A completely clueless Rocky asking Adrian’s brother what she liked to do, and then spending $10 for just 10 minutes on the ice rink with her just melted my heart. I even spotted the line ‘Why do I fight? Because I can’t sing and dance…’ which was on Adonis’ shirt in Creed! Mega proud of myself there.  

Like Allie, I didn't think I would be bothered by this movie but I really did love it.  I got very excited when I saw the 'Rocky' steps and even sent a photo to Allie.  In all honesty, I thought it would have ruined this film watching Creed first it had the same impact as if i had watched them the right way round.  I got so excited when I saw places in this that had been featured in Creed like Mighty Micks Gym.  I much prefer Stallone back in the day when I can understand what the heck he is saying and really loved the build up to the fight, I was adamant I knew what the outcome would be....I was wrong!

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Then of course we had the famous music startup (which Jenna swears sounds like the wedding march, still does!) followed by Rocky running up the stairs which was nothing short of awesome. I can really see now why this is such an iconic movie! I was told it would really gear me up for going to the gym but I was in my pajamas finishing off a tub of chocolates from Christmas at the time so I can’t really comment on that.  I have been tempted to go to the gym of late, I didn't go after this however, I sat and ate a monster roast dinner! oops!

And then of course we had the final fight. Some of the tension was taken away from me because I knew the outcome, but when you watch a movie 40 years after it was released, I think you lose the right to scream ‘spoiler alert’ at someone!  Can you believe I didn't know how it ended, the movie has been out since before I was born and I have never heard a spoiler?!

I’m torn now between saving Rocky II for next year’s Blind Spot or just watching it next weekend…!  

Great start to the Blind Spot challenge, here's hoping the other 11 are as good!








15 comments:

  1. Yay!!! So glad this managed to draw you in. It's such a wonderful film with so many iconic moments. And while watching Creed, I laughed so hard when I read Adonis's t-shirt with that line on it. Go for Rocky II, why wait a year?

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    1. I honestly think this is more iconic than any of the movies we watched last year! And you're right, Rocky II can't wait till next year :)
      - Allie

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    2. Next movie night....on it! :-)

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  2. LOL, I feel like such a dick for not loving this movie. Everyone is gushing all over this and I'm standing in the corner with my grumpy pants on saying things under my breath like, "it's not that good, people" and apparently I'm in the wrong so...maybe I should watch this again?

    Great review, girls!

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    1. Haha! Please tell me these grumpy pants are a real thing!
      Normally I'd back down and find common ground with you, but I really loved this.
      - Allie

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    2. This is exactly how I felt when I didn't like Taxi Driver! - J

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  3. Nice work! This was my January Blind Spot as well. I agree so much. This movie was totally not what I always thought it was. Rocky is just such a sweet, lovable character, and I really loved the way the relationships with Adrian and Paulie played out. Just a really solid film.

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    1. Great minds think alike! I really was expecting this to be a boxing movie, but it blew me away :)
      - Allie

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  4. Great review! Boxing movies don't appeal to me in general, but Creed is on my watch list so maybe I'll add this one too.

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    1. I think that's why I've never been interested in watching Rocky, but the awards buzz made me give Creed a go and I really enjoyed that in the end. I enjoyed Rocky even more!
      - Allie

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  5. Ahah, I have no clue how boxing works either, but thankfully this film ( as well as other contact sport films like Warrior) isn't so much about the sport itself but more about relationships. I like that this one is quite romantic as well. That's why the reference to Adrian in Creed made me tear up. Great review ladies!

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    1. I really need to watch Warrior, that's been on my radar for a while. I'm also tempted to watch Southpaw too!
      - Allie

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    2. I loved Southpaw, between that and the buttload of fun we had watching Creed, i'm all in for boxing movies. However, I'm torn between this and Cinderella Man for my top spot!
      - Jen

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  6. Great review guys, I'm glad you liked it so much!! I haven't seen it for such a long time I have forgotten how it ends.. both your enthusiasm has me thinking I should give it another watch

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    1. Thank you! Have you seen Creed? I don't want to just blurt it out but they have very similar endings ;)
      - Allie

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