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When “Creed” arrived two years ago, it proved that the “Rocky” franchise had plenty of life left in it, particularly if you put Sylvester Stallone to the side. Ryan Coogler wrote the script and directed the film which brought a fresh energy to the boxing series, and charisma with Michael B. Jordan leading the way. A big hit commercially and critically, a sequel has long been in the works, but as more time has passed, Stallone has made it clear he wanted to be back in the saddle.

Continue reading Sylvester Stallone Steps In The Ring To Direct ‘Creed 2’ at The Playlist.

Chicago – There are very few characters as iconic as Rocky Balboa. A few images, sound bites, or even just a few notes of a song and audiences of the right age are transported back to the first time they saw the Best Picture-winning “Rocky,” the film that made Sylvester Stallone a star over three decades ago. That beloved sports film and the five sequels that followed have been collected on Blu-Ray for the first time in “Rocky: The Undisputed Collection”.

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

The original “Rocky” looks a little more dated with each passing year, but the spirit of the film is still effective. Watching it again for the first time in years, I was struck by how many films that followed it have copied the basic beats and tone of the film. Stallone’s smartest move with “Rocky” was keeping it simple; making it a story to which everyone could relate.

Rocky

Times like these, I hate reviewing classic films. What can I add that hasn’t already been said or covered about the 1976 Best Picture winner? Well, other than what film should have won it, but Rocky is a more than worthy candidate for the statue. It sometimes gets criticism for not showing enough of the epic fight at the end, but I feel that’s a brilliant move as we know these men will go the distance. The performances are excellent, the direction is up to par, and the story is a timeless classic. Truthfully, the alternate ending where Rocky throws the fight would have been interesting to see.

9/10

Rocky II

I’d forgotten what a depressing trip this was, which makes Rocky’s eventual win that much sweeter by the end of the film. This marked Sylvester Stallone’s second directorial debut and for the most part he...

Blu-ray Review

Rocky: The Undisputed Collection

Directed by: John G. Avildsen, Sylvester Stallone

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith

Running Time: varies

Rating: PG (Rocky V is PG-13)

Due Out: November 3, 2009

Buy Rocky: The Undisputed Collection [Blu-ray]

Plot: A south-paw boxer (Stallone) from Philadelphia turns from a nothing to a champ. Throughout his career he must battle new foes in and out of the ring, with his wife (Shire) by his side.

Who’S It For? Do you get sucked into the Rocky films every single every single time they are on USA and Spike? Are you a fan of the underdog getting his shot?

Movie:

Rocky: Yes, to watch it now, the film crawls in the beginning … and middle. But this is clearly the best of the bunch. Most rewatchable? No. But clearly the most quality film. Rocky is a million to one shot.