Rocky (1976)

Directed by John G. Avildsen. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Burgess Meredith, Carl Weathers, Joe Spinell, Tony Burton, Thayer David. [PG]

Low-budget rags-to-riches boxing drama starring a then-unknown actor was the same kind of million-to-one shot as its title character, a journeyman Philly pugilist (collecting loan shark payments on the side) who’s granted a title fight against undefeated champ Apollo Creed (Weathers). But this crowd-pleasing slab of schmaltz won the hearts of the public and most critics on its way to winning three Oscars, including Best Picture. The actual subject of the sport is almost beside the point—it’s a formula that can fit almost any trying situation where a determined and/or courageous person is able to go the distance; it’s also just as much a tender love story between the sensitive southpaw and a shy pet store employee (Shire). Despite the plot’s predictability and the Avildsen’s tentative direction, the script works, the performances are memorable (including Young and Meredith playing a couple of sentimentalized cranks), the theme song (“Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti) is irresistible, and its inspirational message and emotional lift can melt all but the coldest of cynics. Followed by five direct sequels, plus two spinoff films (Creed and Creed II).

82/100