Someone grab the referee, and I’ll grab the producer; I have a movie to review!
Yes, my opinions have been solicited again by attending an advance screening of I, Play Rocky, which spoke to the writer and performer in me.
The film is an energizing true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa.
I grew up watching Rocky with my parents, and my reference point for Sylvester Stallone was always him as Rocky and a Boxer. I must admit it blew my mind watching him as a young struggling actor/writer learning and embracing his name and talents to execute his vision the way he wanted. I was initially very perplexed, like, who is Mike?
“There are a lot of Mikes in this world, but only one Sylvester Salone”
-AnnaSophia Robb
I hope this doesn’t cause too much of a tussle, but I was in the minority, and Rocky and I weren’t love at first sight; after watching I, Play Rocky, I must rewatch the franchise with a different perspective.
I immediately connected with the writer who comes up with a million ideas and returns with a million no’s. Finding inspiration in the most random moments, and those are typically the best works, when you allow life to fuel your words. And, overwhelmingly, the confidence and belief in yourself to keep sharing your work and stand by your vision.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, how you gonna get anyone else to believe in you?”
-AnnaSophia Robb
As a writer and a bit of a theatrical person, I understood that no monetary value could substitute for him playing Rocky Balboa. Sylvester Stallone could see the full vision of the project and brought it to life because he was living it at the same time.
“Boxing is an art.”
-Anthony Ippolito
Being a Boxer is being a performer with discipline, self-belief, training, and the will to try again. For Sylvester to become Rocky, he first had to train and become a Boxer. All his layers came alive on screen, and an initial idea became one of the most iconic movie franchises.
Needless to say, I recommend everyone watch I, Play Rocky! It is in theaters Friday, November 6, 2026!
I love the movie; it reminds you to lean into your strengths and talents. Let me know what y’all think after.
Leave a Reply