Like the actress Talia Shire "Adrian" said in an interview when asked why she wasnt in the movie, she said "But i was! The whole movie is about me" if she was alive Rocky wouldnt even had the drive or reason to fight...no stuff in the basement 🙂✌️
Spider Rico, the guy working in his restaurant, is the same character and same actor that Rocky was fighting in the very first scene of the first movie.
Adrian was originally in the "Rocky Balboa" script, but Talia Shire and Sylvester Stallone both agreed that Rocky would not have the "beast inside [him]" - that pent up rage he needed to fight again - if Adrian was still there. Rocky would've been totally happy running the restaurant with her and would have no reason or purpose to fight. They also felt they couldn't let her die IN the film because the audience wouldn't be able to cope with the loss. So Adrian becomes the main character of "Balboa" while simultaneously being an offscreen presence - a ghostly memory - throughout. Talia was already penciled in to be in the movie so when Stallone made the script change he made sure she got her full pay and was given full screen credit through archival footage. Talia Shire did a number of interviews and press for the film at the time of "Balboa's" release (she was at the premiere with Stallone) where she was asked if she felt angry for not being in the film. Talia replied, "I am in it... The whole movie is about ME."
I was having a bad day. A boring, isolated Saturday afternoon (don’t worry, my life is pretty good usually). Nothing to watch on TH-cam…but this dropped so I paused it, prepared a meal, and now will sit down to what I already know will be a great and heartfelt reaction to one of my absolute favorite movies! Thanks, Dawn.
Both the actress who played Maria and Stallone have come out in interviews saying that the short kiss they shared was a mix of "Thank you" and "Good luck". There was NO romantic aspect to their kiss, even though a lot of people who saw the movie thought that there was something going on and got upset because they felt that Rocky should never have kissed anyone but Adrian. So, when you see the scene with a sense of "thanks/luck" connected to it, it takes on a whole new meaning and feel.
The nice thing about the "ROCKY" movies is that you never have to choose which one was best, or which one was better than another... they're all wonderful because Rocky was in all of them. They could make a movie with Rocky sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons and chatting with passers-by for 2 hours, and I'd love it. And if I could, I'd sit on that bench with him. Mr. Stallone, thank you for all of your works, your inspiration, and your continued commitment to excellence in REAL storytelling. You're the best.
I went to the Rocky steps in Philadelphia with my family in April. It was a great experience. There is an engraving of Rocky's footsteps where he stood about halfway up to the actual museum entrance. Someone was off to the side playing music from all of the Rocky movies and there was a small trailer that has the Sly Stallone shop, which Sylvester Stallone founded recently. It's mostly Rocky themed of course but there are a few Rambo t-shirts as well. We were there early in the morning just before the art museum was open and it was very crowded and there was a line to have your picture taken with the statue. I can't imagine what it would be like when Sylvester Stallone is actually there or after another event like an Eagles game or something. If you do go, be careful crossing the street from the museum parking lot because there is a busy road in front. And be sure to use the restroom before because it can be hard to find one and they might not let you use the one in the museum. But it was a great experience and no matter what the weather is like or what time of day it is, there is at least a scene in one of the movies that would match the conditions there.
And I think it's so great that Rocky (and Stallone) have Spider Rico in Rocky's life. (Spider was in the very first scene of Rocky I, he was the boxer that head-butted Rocky before Rocky gave him the beatdown.)
The champion in this movie is struggling because the competition in the heavyweight division is considered weak, so he isn't getting respect for his accomplishments. Rocky represented a challenge for him to earn some respect.
Since no one seemed to have mentioned it: at the end when everyone was chanting 'Rocky'? According to the extras on the DVD that wasn't scripted. They shot the fight scenes before an actual fight, so it was an actual audience. When Stallone was walking out, everyone started chanting.
9:01 "Who wrote this script" The same person that was the screenwriter and had credits for "story by" for Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV and Rocky V. Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone knows the character of Rocky and the movies mean a lot to people, but I don't know if he realizes how much they can mean. This morning, I was coming home from the gym where I work out as part of the rehabilitation I'm doing after I had a stroke almost two and a half months ago, and I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in a few months. As we caught up on what's been going on, he said it was good to see me working so hard to recover and told me that his older brother had a heart attack and didn't want to do his physical therapy because he thought it was too hard. Now his brother is healed and medically stable, but he can hardly do anything for himself anymore. I sympathize with his brother because, daily, I have to fight those feelings of despair, frustration and just wanting to give up and hide and feel sorry for myself, but I keep reminding myself "If I want my life back, nobody's going to just give it me. I've got work for it - even fight for it." A big part of the reason I think like that and don't give up when things get hard is the way fictional stories like the Rocky series of films can inspire people in real life.
Rocky, the character, has pulled me back up on my feet to fight a few more rounds a few times. To me that is the value of the character. You take the hits, and you keep on going.
19:35 When Talia SHire (Adrian) was asked if she was upset that she wasn't cast for this movie, she said "Why would I be upset? I may not be in the movie, but when you think about it, the whole movie is all about Adrian."
I am a rocky five defender, but this was a great book end to all the Rocky movies just that last line. Yo Adrian, we did it. I still marathon all six of them and get choked up at the end when he says it.
In my humble opinion. This was the perfect way to end the story of Rocky. I grew up watching this, and now I'm old. I can relate to this even more. It's been a great ride. From start to finish. Thanks for the wonderful reaction!!!
I went to Philly in June. I had four things to do on my list. Get a Philly cheesesteak, visit Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, and run up those steps. It's a lot more steps than you might think, but totally worth it. And yes, everybody else was running up the steps too.
I was personally really surprised at how good this was. But there is a deleted scene I really wish still was in the movie. After Paulie comes to the restaurant after he has been let go, he leaves through the back and we get the alley scene we see in this movie. Originally this alley scene was a bit longer and reveals more about Paulie. The scene is on TH-cam and I really recommend that you check it out. :)
I would actually highly recommend the two Creed movies, as they are a continuation of the story of Rocky and Apollo Creed's family. And they are really great made! I hadn't wanted to see them for a long time because I didn't see the connection with the Rocky movies. But when I did watch them, I was glad I did, because there's so much respect and so much emotion in them...I'm sure you'll be just as happy. The films are almost like Rocky 7 and Rocky 8.
This is the film that allowed Rocky to be *real*. Until this point, he was a two-dimensional heroic underdog. Rocky V tried to do him justice, but fell short. Rocky's personal losses; Adrian, the relationship with his son, and his win of always moving forward through it all gave him all the depth we *knew* was there Time passing made this story epic
You can find that speech Rocky gave to his son anywhere on TH-cam. It is heralded as one of the greatest inspirational speeches in film. Also check out the 6 minutes speech.
Only now does Rocky explain his life philosophy. How hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Remember, all he wanted to do in the first fight with Apollo was go the distance.
Talia Shire, the actress who played Adrian, is still living. But sadly, Burt Young, Paulie in all the Rocky movies has passed away. As has Carl Weathers who played Apollo Creed.
Great reaction to this great movie Dawn... Stallone said that watching George Foreman win the heavyweight championship boxing title at age 45 (in 1994) against a boxer who was 19 years younger than him (making him the oldest boxer to ever win at that age) is what inspired Stallone to write the script for this movie and to end the Rocky series at a high note (compared to the previous entry, Rocky V, which didn't fare very well with most audiences & with Stallone himself). Adrian Balboa was alive in the first several drafts of the original script, while Robert Balboa was an officer in the U.S. Air Force before he was later changed to be a financial accountant. The early title was 'Rocky VI: Puncher's Chance' before it was chosen to simple call it 'Rocky Balboa'. In the early scripts, the story revolved around Rocky running a local gym for youths. However, Sylvester Stallone felt that story lacked the emotional impact it needed, so he and Talia Shire, after several visits & conversations, came to an agreement that her character would be best left out of the film, as this would create an emotional chasm for Rocky from the very first moment to be able to build his character up from. To ensure that fans did not think she had been written out of the film because of a dispute with Stallone or angry with the producers or because she refused to be in it, Shire made a public statement supporting Stallone's decision to not have her in the film & was supportive for Rocky's character story arc. In that same statement, she said "Adrian is actually in the movie, the whole movie's story is basically about her & Adrian's spirit of unending love for Rocky". 😁
To me this is the best Rocky out of all, " It ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” - Rocky Balboa
I like that Rocky and Little Marie were just friends and they didn't try to make a romance there. Rocky only Loved one woman his entire life. He just needs an old friend from the neighborhood.
Everyone joked about Rocky going on and on until he was too old but Stallone knew how to end it. The speech he made to his kid outside the restaurant is the peak of the series. The statue is still there, they just moved it to street level. They would be stupid to remove it- the Rocky steps and statue are easily the biggest attraction in Philly, even bigger than the Liberty Bell.
One of the best lines in a movie, "You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward."
They just recently released all of the Rocky films in 4K. And included with this film, is the “ultimate Director’s Cut”; which has about 15-20 minutes of extra footage not seen in theaters. I hope you’ll check it out; along with the Director’s Cut of Rocky IV.
One of the best cinema experiences I've ever had. I was too young to see the others at the cinema, but when this came out I was there opening night. The queue was leading out the door. Once it started, every joke hit, every speech landed and every reference packed a punch. The training montage began - the applause started. And when Rocky knocks Mason down, the audience lost their shit. Amazing.
@@Thewingkongexchange It was insane! The buildup was incredible, and you know what the music sounded like! Blasting from huge speakers, it was wonderful. I got to see all of the Star Wars, Jaws, Close Encounters, you name it, the BEST movies that a lot of people will never ever get to see that way. That's a damn sin.
For Rocky, this fight was never about winning or losing, it was about standing his ground, about proving himself and everyone else that, even if life hit him hard he could still move forward.
Adrian's death improved the original story of Rocky Balboa by providing a richer and more heart-wrenching narrative centered around grief and purpose. Adrian's absence allowed for the exploration of Rocky's relationship with his son, creating one of the best aspects of the movie and a fitting end for the character. Rocky Statue History; The Rocky statue has been moved several times over the years because of controversy and differing opinions on its value: Originally placed The statue was commissioned by Sylvester Stallone for a scene in Rocky III (1982) and originally placed atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some moviegoers wanted to memorialize Rocky's climb up the steps, but others felt the statue was a movie prop that didn't belong permanently. Moved to the Spectrum After a prolonged dispute, the city accepted the gift and moved the statue to the front of the Philadelphia Spectrum, an indoor arena for the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers. Returned to the Art Museum The statue was later returned to the Art Museum for filming of Rocky V (1990). Moved to the base of the steps On the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky film in 2006, the statue was moved again to the base of the Art Museum steps. Moved again In August 2022, some say the statue was moved elsewhere due to its irrelevancy to arts, but returned to the bottom right of the stairways due to fan demands.
5:19 The original "Little Marie" was called back for "Rocky V" but all her scenes were deleted from the film so when they asked her to come back for THIS movie, she refused, so they hired a new actor to play Marie.
Spider Rico was the very first guy Rocky fought in Rocky 1. He's the guy that head butted Rocky, then Rocky beat the snot out of him. He was the other guy sitting in the locker room when they payed Rocky the $40.
Great reaction. Sly was 59 when he made this btw. His favorites of the Rocky films are the first, III and this one. He though IV and V were unnecessary and wished he had just stopped at the first 3 then done Rocky Balboa as a finale although he would have needed to explain how he'd lost his money and ended up back in the old neighborhood although that wouldn't ave been too hard to explain after 20 or so years.
Spider Rico was Rocky's opponent at the beginning of the first Rocky. Remember? Spider head butts him and Rocky beat him to the ground. Then Spider is paid 17 dollar and Rocky is paid 40. Spider tells him. " Hey, You really got lucky tonight." That's what Spider is referring too when he's washing dishes. " Don't make me fight you. Last time you got lucky ."
Why Dixon is actually a GOOD character even though being placed in the "opponent" category? Because it isn't about ego or anger with Dixon. He is simply questioning himself "am I a good fighter or not", and what better way is there to actually stand up against a LEGEND in the ring. If he wins, he will be able to say he beat a legend despite what everyone else thought... proving himself to himself. If he LOST, he would be able to say that it "took a legend to beat me".... proving himself to himself. By having a FULL MATCH.... he proves that he is good to EVERYONE, and that he was WORTHY of standing in the ring with a "legend"... against proving himself to himself.
Dixon broke his hand on Rocky's hip bone. Dixon was throwing body shots at Rocky, Rocky was blocking, and Dixon tried to punch around Rocky's arms, but punched too low, and instead of hitting muscle, he hit bone. At least, that's why it happened in the movie. In reality, the entire purpose of boxing gloves is to protect your hand from getting broken when you punch something hard, so that wouldn't really happen. I think it was meant to be similar to Rocky breaking Apollo's ribs in the first movie.
watching u enjoy all the rocky films was so enjoyable for me as well. your laugh and smile brighten dark days, and help people forget about hard times. ur a blessing, a goddess and a complete vibe. luv u Dawn
Just so you know, they didn't get rid of the statue, it was moved because the museum that it was in front of didn't like it being there, so they moved it to another part of town. But after public outcry, the museum decided to allow it back, but it's in a bit of a different spot
In regards to Talia Shire (Adrian). Everyone agreed to come back when Sly started writing. Though the Adrian character was just sitting about doing nothing and there was no real spark in it. Then he had the though... what if Adrian died. She was the glue that kept the family together and now she was gone. This gave Rocky something to live for... and also tore my heart out in 2006. Adrian's main lines were given to Little Marie, like the "Fighter's Fight" & "Last thing to grow old" speeches. Stallone had said that he was more scared to tell Talia Shire about this than anything. She loved the idea as she wasn't to happy with Adrian doing nothing and gave Sly the blessing to kill her off.
You probably know by now, but he also wrote and directed this himself (since you asked early on). The first movie and this are equally good in my opinion. Absolutely amazing end to the Rocky legend.
Fun fact: “Weird Al” did a parody of “Eye of the Tiger” about Rocky now owning a neighborhood deli. This was back in 1983. Now, in this movie, he owns a restaurant. I thought that was an interesting coincidence.
No matter what your feelings are about Paulie, you'd struggle to find a better friendship in a movie. Paulie always supported Rocky, and they both tell each other what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. If Paulie didn't go to talk to Adrian about Rocky when she was doubting him, she would have been alone when she lifted the pail in the pet shop and went into early labor. He's Rocky's oldest and dearest friend. Long before Mick or Adrian. It's just sad that by the time Paulie realized how bad of a brother he was to Adrian, it was too late for him to start mending that wound. I really like his development over this series.
How could anyone not get invested in Rocky. Pure spirit and warrior brave but at his heart a gentle soul. A kind and simple man with unending determination. Lots of life lessons in these movies Dawn and you key in on all of them. We should all remember never quit, like our hero Rocky.
"Spider" is the guy Rocky was fighting at the very beginning of the first movie. I really liked how they brought back some of the old characters and worked them into the story. For me, this was a very fitting end for "Rocky," you got to say goodbye and were left with a feeling that he was going to be ok.
Think I've seen sod all out of these with you so far, but this is one of my faves from the franchise😊 The chef 'Spider Rico' was who Rock was fighting at the beginning of the 1st movie
As someone who grew up on (& loving) the Rocky films, trust me: like many a long-time fan of this series - we DO know exactly how you're feeling watching this - trust me, we were buzzing too!
References: "Do you have a reservation?" "Do I look like an Indian?" Native Americans are also known as Indians (don't @ me, my professor was a Chickamagua Cherokee and owned the term herself) and the only treaties the US has ever kept with them are the establishment of certain (not all) reservations, where they're allowed to live and self-govern to some extent. They are largely treated as foreign nations, and things like water rights disputes have been major issues throughout American history. "Ain't over till it's over" is a 'Yogiism", a Yogi-ism, a saying created by the unique mind of NY Yankees Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, famous for some of the most peculiar and unique American sayings. Arguably contributed as much to American culture as Eminem.
Dawn you are right the rocky movies give a lot of inspiration and many great quotes i grew up watching these movies and it inspired me to be a better man. I like to say to you Dawn that i love watching your reactions to movies i love your personality and comments you are so wonderful to watch and you make watthing these older movies more enjoyable, thank you so much for being the way you are beautiful, wonderful, always happy and excited and just a very lovely lady.
The cook, Spider or Spiderrico was mentioned in the first Rocky movie. 🥊Rocky had fought him and was telling people, "Yeez, I fought Spiderrico." A guy replied, "Spiderrico? Is he still around?"😮😅
Hello Dawn Marie!😊 I knew you were going to say how can Adrian be dead, and Pauly is still alive.😆 This comes up a lot! In the original script Adrian was still alive. But, they thought for the development of the Rocky character, she should be deceased. Talia Shire (Adrian) also agreed it was probably best for the film. No, she is not really dead, Dawn.😉 Yep, Spider Rico did fight Rocky in the original film. It is the same actor doing dishes at his restaurant. They also brought back the actual turtles (Cuff & Link) for this film. Little Marie is played by a different actress. Dawn, you are so silly.😆 Rocky wasn't born Rocky, it is his boxing name. I believe he picked it after boxer Rocky Marciano. He was born Robert, and his son is Robert too.😉 They actually did take down the statue after they stopped making Rocky films for many years. But, they had a vote and the city put the statue back. Stallone was only 60 years old when this was made. Rocky does star in the first two "Creed" films, so they are worth watching!🏆 Great reactions to your sixth and final Rocky film, Dawn Marie!!!!🎬👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hopefully the young champion learned you can't take anything for granted, not even yourself. Great movie with a great message for livng, and your reaction was wonderful. Thanks for letting us watch with you, and God bless you.
There really hasn't been a bad Rocky movie. And what little I've seen of the Creed movies was pretty good too. Don't worry, Dawn, Talia is very much alive ❤️ The restaurant reminds me of my aunt, who passed away in 1994. My uncle named his restaurant, Dolly's, after her. It was located in Davis Square, Somerville, MA. He told me, "Dolly always wanted to see her name in lights." I miss them both.
0:01 It's actually not the end of the Rocky Movies, or at least story, because Rocky is also in Creed and Creed 2 movies, where his story continues, along with a new character; so you definitely need to watch Creed and Creed 2 also.
I loved this one. Aside from the fight which I won't comment on, this movie is fantastic. It's back to old Rocky, Rocky1&2 type of Stallone and that really gritty acting.❤❤❤❤❤
Indeed Rocky's speech to his son is epic/iconic/motivational - then again so is he. Talia Shire assured everyone that the filmmakers came to her to get her blessing :D But still bittersweet. Spider was the first fighter Rocky fights at the beginning of ROCKY. The remark about 'reservation' by Paulie refers to Native Americans having reservations (land allotted to them to live on by the US government sanctioned) - hence the poor joke. And now on to the CREED films, Dawn :D
Like the actress Talia Shire "Adrian" said in an interview when asked why she wasnt in the movie, she said "But i was! The whole movie is about me" if she was alive Rocky wouldnt even had the drive or reason to fight...no stuff in the basement 🙂✌️
One thing I'd add is that Stallone said she was in the first drafts but it didn't work (for the exact reasons you mentioned)
Talia is a wonderful actor, generous soul and great personality. She rules.
She's going down as what a wife should be. Tik Tok has zero wife material
Spider Rico, the guy working in his restaurant, is the same character and same actor that Rocky was fighting in the very first scene of the first movie.
It was a cool call back. Very sweet of Stallone to think of it.
You beat me to it lol 😂
14:06 Dawn: "Everyone needs to be more like Rocky." Amen to that.
Adrian was originally in the "Rocky Balboa" script, but Talia Shire and Sylvester Stallone both agreed that Rocky would not have the "beast inside [him]" - that pent up rage he needed to fight again - if Adrian was still there. Rocky would've been totally happy running the restaurant with her and would have no reason or purpose to fight. They also felt they couldn't let her die IN the film because the audience wouldn't be able to cope with the loss. So Adrian becomes the main character of "Balboa" while simultaneously being an offscreen presence - a ghostly memory - throughout. Talia was already penciled in to be in the movie so when Stallone made the script change he made sure she got her full pay and was given full screen credit through archival footage.
Talia Shire did a number of interviews and press for the film at the time of "Balboa's" release (she was at the premiere with Stallone) where she was asked if she felt angry for not being in the film. Talia replied, "I am in it... The whole movie is about ME."
I was having a bad day. A boring, isolated Saturday afternoon (don’t worry, my life is pretty good usually). Nothing to watch on TH-cam…but this dropped so I paused it, prepared a meal, and now will sit down to what I already know will be a great and heartfelt reaction to one of my absolute favorite movies! Thanks, Dawn.
Good, now I don't have to write a comment! 😁
That was a good blog post.
Both the actress who played Maria and Stallone have come out in interviews saying that the short kiss they shared was a mix of "Thank you" and "Good luck". There was NO romantic aspect to their kiss, even though a lot of people who saw the movie thought that there was something going on and got upset because they felt that Rocky should never have kissed anyone but Adrian.
So, when you see the scene with a sense of "thanks/luck" connected to it, it takes on a whole new meaning and feel.
The nice thing about the "ROCKY" movies is that you never have to choose which one was best, or which one was better than another... they're all wonderful because Rocky was in all of them. They could make a movie with Rocky sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons and chatting with passers-by for 2 hours, and I'd love it. And if I could, I'd sit on that bench with him. Mr. Stallone, thank you for all of your works, your inspiration, and your continued commitment to excellence in REAL storytelling. You're the best.
Exactly
I went to the Rocky steps in Philadelphia with my family in April. It was a great experience. There is an engraving of Rocky's footsteps where he stood about halfway up to the actual museum entrance. Someone was off to the side playing music from all of the Rocky movies and there was a small trailer that has the Sly Stallone shop, which Sylvester Stallone founded recently. It's mostly Rocky themed of course but there are a few Rambo t-shirts as well. We were there early in the morning just before the art museum was open and it was very crowded and there was a line to have your picture taken with the statue. I can't imagine what it would be like when Sylvester Stallone is actually there or after another event like an Eagles game or something. If you do go, be careful crossing the street from the museum parking lot because there is a busy road in front. And be sure to use the restroom before because it can be hard to find one and they might not let you use the one in the museum. But it was a great experience and no matter what the weather is like or what time of day it is, there is at least a scene in one of the movies that would match the conditions there.
And I think it's so great that Rocky (and Stallone) have Spider Rico in Rocky's life. (Spider was in the very first scene of Rocky I, he was the boxer that head-butted Rocky before Rocky gave him the beatdown.)
The story of Rocky's character continues in Creed 1 and Creed 2.
But in those films Rocky takes on the more mentor role (kind of like Mickey was with Rocky).
Rocky ends with Rocky Balboa, everything after that is forced just to milk the franchise.
Spoiler! 🙄
Exactly Creed 2 ended perfectly for Rocky
The champion in this movie is struggling because the competition in the heavyweight division is considered weak, so he isn't getting respect for his accomplishments. Rocky represented a challenge for him to earn some respect.
Rocky forced Dixon to dig deep in himself, to fight with his guts, his heart, his soul more than with his talent
Since no one seemed to have mentioned it: at the end when everyone was chanting 'Rocky'? According to the extras on the DVD that wasn't scripted. They shot the fight scenes before an actual fight, so it was an actual audience. When Stallone was walking out, everyone started chanting.
The reason for the name difference is that Rocky is a nickname. Robert is Rocky's actual first name, and his son is Robert Balboa, Jr
Wow; i didn't know that.
9:01 "Who wrote this script" The same person that was the screenwriter and had credits for "story by" for Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV and Rocky V. Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone knows the character of Rocky and the movies mean a lot to people, but I don't know if he realizes how much they can mean. This morning, I was coming home from the gym where I work out as part of the rehabilitation I'm doing after I had a stroke almost two and a half months ago, and I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in a few months. As we caught up on what's been going on, he said it was good to see me working so hard to recover and told me that his older brother had a heart attack and didn't want to do his physical therapy because he thought it was too hard. Now his brother is healed and medically stable, but he can hardly do anything for himself anymore. I sympathize with his brother because, daily, I have to fight those feelings of despair, frustration and just wanting to give up and hide and feel sorry for myself, but I keep reminding myself "If I want my life back, nobody's going to just give it me. I've got work for it - even fight for it." A big part of the reason I think like that and don't give up when things get hard is the way fictional stories like the Rocky series of films can inspire people in real life.
Rocky, the character, has pulled me back up on my feet to fight a few more rounds a few times. To me that is the value of the character. You take the hits, and you keep on going.
19:35 When Talia SHire (Adrian) was asked if she was upset that she wasn't cast for this movie, she said "Why would I be upset? I may not be in the movie, but when you think about it, the whole movie is all about Adrian."
Plys she still got paid 👌
I am a rocky five defender, but this was a great book end to all the Rocky movies just that last line. Yo Adrian, we did it. I still marathon all six of them and get choked up at the end when he says it.
In my humble opinion. This was the perfect way to end the story of Rocky. I grew up watching this, and now I'm old. I can relate to this even more. It's been a great ride. From start to finish. Thanks for the wonderful reaction!!!
Rocky called Pauly a human hamper, a container for dirty laundry, when he said Spider dressed like a bum. Not a human hamburger. lol
Bahahahaha! XD
I went to Philly in June. I had four things to do on my list. Get a Philly cheesesteak, visit Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, and run up those steps. It's a lot more steps than you might think, but totally worth it. And yes, everybody else was running up the steps too.
I was personally really surprised at how good this was. But there is a deleted scene I really wish still was in the movie. After Paulie comes to the restaurant after he has been let go, he leaves through the back and we get the alley scene we see in this movie. Originally this alley scene was a bit longer and reveals more about Paulie. The scene is on TH-cam and I really recommend that you check it out. :)
I would actually highly recommend the two Creed movies, as they are a continuation of the story of Rocky and Apollo Creed's family. And they are really great made! I hadn't wanted to see them for a long time because I didn't see the connection with the Rocky movies. But when I did watch them, I was glad I did, because there's so much respect and so much emotion in them...I'm sure you'll be just as happy. The films are almost like Rocky 7 and Rocky 8.
This is the film that allowed Rocky to be *real*. Until this point, he was a two-dimensional heroic underdog.
Rocky V tried to do him justice, but fell short.
Rocky's personal losses; Adrian, the relationship with his son, and his win of always moving forward through it all gave him all the depth we *knew* was there
Time passing made this story epic
You can find that speech Rocky gave to his son anywhere on TH-cam. It is heralded as one of the greatest inspirational speeches in film. Also check out the 6 minutes speech.
Only now does Rocky explain his life philosophy. How hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Remember, all he wanted to do in the first fight with Apollo was go the distance.
Talia Shire, the actress who played Adrian, is still living. But sadly, Burt Young, Paulie in all the Rocky movies has passed away. As has Carl Weathers who played Apollo Creed.
Burgess Meredith and Sage Stallone, too.
And Duke is gone as well.
Great reaction to this great movie Dawn...
Stallone said that watching George Foreman win the heavyweight championship boxing title at age 45 (in 1994) against a boxer who was 19 years younger than him (making him the oldest boxer to ever win at that age) is what inspired Stallone to write the script for this movie and to end the Rocky series at a high note (compared to the previous entry, Rocky V, which didn't fare very well with most audiences & with Stallone himself).
Adrian Balboa was alive in the first several drafts of the original script, while Robert Balboa was an officer in the U.S. Air Force before he was later changed to be a financial accountant. The early title was 'Rocky VI: Puncher's Chance' before it was chosen to simple call it 'Rocky Balboa'. In the early scripts, the story revolved around Rocky running a local gym for youths. However, Sylvester Stallone felt that story lacked the emotional impact it needed, so he and Talia Shire, after several visits & conversations, came to an agreement that her character would be best left out of the film, as this would create an emotional chasm for Rocky from the very first moment to be able to build his character up from. To ensure that fans did not think she had been written out of the film because of a dispute with Stallone or angry with the producers or because she refused to be in it, Shire made a public statement supporting Stallone's decision to not have her in the film & was supportive for Rocky's character story arc. In that same statement, she said "Adrian is actually in the movie, the whole movie's story is basically about her & Adrian's spirit of unending love for Rocky". 😁
Arguably the best Rocky sequel in my opinion.
To me this is the best Rocky out of all, " It ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” - Rocky Balboa
I like that Rocky and Little Marie were just friends and they didn't try to make a romance there. Rocky only Loved one woman his entire life. He just needs an old friend from the neighborhood.
Everyone joked about Rocky going on and on until he was too old but Stallone knew how to end it. The speech he made to his kid outside the restaurant is the peak of the series.
The statue is still there, they just moved it to street level. They would be stupid to remove it- the Rocky steps and statue are easily the biggest attraction in Philly, even bigger than the Liberty Bell.
One of the best lines in a movie, "You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward."
They put his statue back there in real life, his statue and those steps are some of the biggest attractions in the city :)
8:37 Rocky Jr. was ALWAY Robert...because he was named after his father Robert "Rocky" Balboa Sr.
They just recently released all of the Rocky films in 4K. And included with this film, is the “ultimate Director’s Cut”; which has about 15-20 minutes of extra footage not seen in theaters. I hope you’ll check it out; along with the Director’s Cut of Rocky IV.
27:18 These three girls running up the stairs are Sylvester's daughters, Sophia, Scarlet & Sistine.
One of the best cinema experiences I've ever had. I was too young to see the others at the cinema, but when this came out I was there opening night.
The queue was leading out the door. Once it started, every joke hit, every speech landed and every reference packed a punch. The training montage began - the applause started. And when Rocky knocks Mason down, the audience lost their shit. Amazing.
I got to see them all on the big screen when they came out. The feeling you had leaving the theater was something else.
@@B-a-t-m-a-n I'd loved to have been in the audience for the end of 'Rocky II'.
@@Thewingkongexchange It was insane! The buildup was incredible, and you know what the music sounded like! Blasting from huge speakers, it was wonderful. I got to see all of the Star Wars, Jaws, Close Encounters, you name it, the BEST movies that a lot of people will never ever get to see that way. That's a damn sin.
That was legitimately the nicest frickin' video I've ever seen. What an excellent way to turn the day around. Thank you.
For Rocky, this fight was never about winning or losing, it was about standing his ground, about proving himself and everyone else that, even if life hit him hard he could still move forward.
When this movie came out I was genuinely excited for it went to see it and was not disappointed it's a really good movie and that speach was brilliant
@Da.wnMarie I'm scottish and I don't know what that means hahaha
Adrian's death improved the original story of Rocky Balboa by providing a richer and more heart-wrenching narrative centered around grief and purpose. Adrian's absence allowed for the exploration of Rocky's relationship with his son, creating one of the best aspects of the movie and a fitting end for the character.
Rocky Statue History;
The Rocky statue has been moved several times over the years because of controversy and differing opinions on its value:
Originally placed
The statue was commissioned by Sylvester Stallone for a scene in Rocky III (1982) and originally placed atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some moviegoers wanted to memorialize Rocky's climb up the steps, but others felt the statue was a movie prop that didn't belong permanently.
Moved to the Spectrum
After a prolonged dispute, the city accepted the gift and moved the statue to the front of the Philadelphia Spectrum, an indoor arena for the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers.
Returned to the Art Museum
The statue was later returned to the Art Museum for filming of Rocky V (1990).
Moved to the base of the steps
On the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky film in 2006, the statue was moved again to the base of the Art Museum steps.
Moved again
In August 2022, some say the statue was moved elsewhere due to its irrelevancy to arts, but returned to the bottom right of the stairways due to fan demands.
This is my all time favorite one. A great film on its own amd a fantastic send off.
5:19 The original "Little Marie" was called back for "Rocky V" but all her scenes were deleted from the film so when they asked her to come back for THIS movie, she refused, so they hired a new actor to play Marie.
Spider Rico was the very first guy Rocky fought in Rocky 1. He's the guy that head butted Rocky, then Rocky beat the snot out of him. He was the other guy sitting in the locker room when they payed Rocky the $40.
It's not how hard you hit but how hard you get hit and keep moving forward. Words to live by.
Great reaction. Sly was 59 when he made this btw. His favorites of the Rocky films are the first, III and this one. He though IV and V were unnecessary and wished he had just stopped at the first 3 then done Rocky Balboa as a finale although he would have needed to explain how he'd lost his money and ended up back in the old neighborhood although that wouldn't ave been too hard to explain after 20 or so years.
“It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit, It’s About How Hard You Can Get Hit And Keep Moving Forward.”
Rocky is in the first couple movies of the Creed franchise Dawn. He trains the next generation.
He takes on the Mickey mentor role 😁
Spider Rico was Rocky's opponent at the beginning of the first Rocky. Remember? Spider head butts him and Rocky beat him to the ground. Then Spider is paid 17 dollar and Rocky is paid 40. Spider tells him. " Hey, You really got lucky tonight." That's what Spider is referring too when he's washing dishes. " Don't make me fight you. Last time you got lucky ."
I've always loved how Rocky's the toughest guy but also sweetest and nicest guy in the movie.
Something that often gets overlooked is Sylvester Stallone's Writing Skills.
Why Dixon is actually a GOOD character even though being placed in the "opponent" category?
Because it isn't about ego or anger with Dixon. He is simply questioning himself "am I a good fighter or not", and what better way is there to actually stand up against a LEGEND in the ring.
If he wins, he will be able to say he beat a legend despite what everyone else thought... proving himself to himself.
If he LOST, he would be able to say that it "took a legend to beat me".... proving himself to himself.
By having a FULL MATCH.... he proves that he is good to EVERYONE, and that he was WORTHY of standing in the ring with a "legend"... against proving himself to himself.
Dixon broke his hand on Rocky's hip bone. Dixon was throwing body shots at Rocky, Rocky was blocking, and Dixon tried to punch around Rocky's arms, but punched too low, and instead of hitting muscle, he hit bone. At least, that's why it happened in the movie. In reality, the entire purpose of boxing gloves is to protect your hand from getting broken when you punch something hard, so that wouldn't really happen. I think it was meant to be similar to Rocky breaking Apollo's ribs in the first movie.
Stallone was turning 60 years old when he made this movie.
He’s got that old man strength fr 💪🏾
Ouch. I’m 61. He seems a lot older than me in this movie.
They moved the Rocky statue to the arena in Philadelphia.
It actually now at the base of the steps of that museum.
That statue does more travelling that I do. 🥊😭🥊
watching u enjoy all the rocky films was so enjoyable for me as well. your laugh and smile brighten dark days, and help people forget about hard times. ur a blessing, a goddess and a complete vibe. luv u Dawn
7:23 Yep, you've seen Spider Rico before. In the very first movie. That was the guy Rocky was fighting at the VERY beginning.
Just so you know, they didn't get rid of the statue, it was moved because the museum that it was in front of didn't like it being there, so they moved it to another part of town. But after public outcry, the museum decided to allow it back, but it's in a bit of a different spot
Old Duke is one of my favorite characters. Dude looks like he can still beat a young guys ass into the ground. :)
Didn't see anyone say it yet... Spider is the guy he fought at the beginning of Rocky I. They REALLY took it full circle.
@Da.wnMarie Watching this series with you has been a treat! Thank you for the smiles!!!
In regards to Talia Shire (Adrian).
Everyone agreed to come back when Sly started writing. Though the Adrian character was just sitting about doing nothing and there was no real spark in it. Then he had the though... what if Adrian died. She was the glue that kept the family together and now she was gone. This gave Rocky something to live for... and also tore my heart out in 2006.
Adrian's main lines were given to Little Marie, like the "Fighter's Fight" & "Last thing to grow old" speeches.
Stallone had said that he was more scared to tell Talia Shire about this than anything. She loved the idea as she wasn't to happy with Adrian doing nothing and gave Sly the blessing to kill her off.
My favorite one; saw it 3 times in theaters. The only one I saw in theaters (plus Creed 2).
You probably know by now, but he also wrote and directed this himself (since you asked early on). The first movie and this are equally good in my opinion. Absolutely amazing end to the Rocky legend.
They actually moved the statue in real life to save it from getting ruined by the weather. It wasn't built to last so they moved it to protect it.
Almost like it was originally a movie prop or something. 😏
Yup, still on display at the museum, just inside now.
Fun fact: “Weird Al” did a parody of “Eye of the Tiger” about Rocky now owning a neighborhood deli. This was back in 1983.
Now, in this movie, he owns a restaurant. I thought that was an interesting coincidence.
I think it comes from allot of retired boxers opening restaurants back than.
A resteraunt isn't a deli, so it's not that much of a coincidence.
@@SpartasEdgeTell that to Katz’ and Schwartzies Delis.
@@dnish6673 I will when i see them 😊
I love that you actually pay attention. The emotional parts hit home more.
No matter what your feelings are about Paulie, you'd struggle to find a better friendship in a movie. Paulie always supported Rocky, and they both tell each other what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. If Paulie didn't go to talk to Adrian about Rocky when she was doubting him, she would have been alone when she lifted the pail in the pet shop and went into early labor. He's Rocky's oldest and dearest friend. Long before Mick or Adrian. It's just sad that by the time Paulie realized how bad of a brother he was to Adrian, it was too late for him to start mending that wound. I really like his development over this series.
if it means anything the Rocky statue was move from the top of the museum to the bottom where the grass is
One of my favorite movies of the Rocky series. Thanks for doing it!
Hadn't seen this in about 10 years.... and just watching the reaction made me tear up again. What an amazing film. #BeMoreLikeRocky
How could anyone not get invested in Rocky. Pure spirit and warrior brave but at his heart a gentle soul. A kind and simple man with unending determination. Lots of life lessons in these movies Dawn and you key in on all of them. We should all remember never quit, like our hero Rocky.
"Spider" is the guy Rocky was fighting at the very beginning of the first movie. I really liked how they brought back some of the old characters and worked them into the story. For me, this was a very fitting end for "Rocky," you got to say goodbye and were left with a feeling that he was going to be ok.
Think I've seen sod all out of these with you so far, but this is one of my faves from the franchise😊 The chef 'Spider Rico' was who Rock was fighting at the beginning of the 1st movie
They actually moved his statue to a nearby park.
As someone who grew up on (& loving) the Rocky films, trust me: like many a long-time fan of this series - we DO know exactly how you're feeling watching this - trust me, we were buzzing too!
Talia Shire who plays is very much alive in real life
References: "Do you have a reservation?" "Do I look like an Indian?" Native Americans are also known as Indians (don't @ me, my professor was a Chickamagua Cherokee and owned the term herself) and the only treaties the US has ever kept with them are the establishment of certain (not all) reservations, where they're allowed to live and self-govern to some extent. They are largely treated as foreign nations, and things like water rights disputes have been major issues throughout American history.
"Ain't over till it's over" is a 'Yogiism", a Yogi-ism, a saying created by the unique mind of NY Yankees Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, famous for some of the most peculiar and unique American sayings. Arguably contributed as much to American culture as Eminem.
Dawn you are right the rocky movies give a lot of inspiration and many great quotes i grew up watching these movies and it inspired me to be a better man. I like to say to you Dawn that i love watching your reactions to movies i love your personality and comments you are so wonderful to watch and you make watthing these older movies more enjoyable, thank you so much for being the way you are beautiful, wonderful, always happy and excited and just a very lovely lady.
"Great insults last a long time"
Very true. The 'right' words can haunt and hurt for many years.
This was such a sweetheart reaction. I loved it!
This is my favorite of all of the Rocky movies
Spider Rico was the guy he was fighting in the very beginning of the first movie
That's my favorite one. Love this movie. Thank you for sharing it, Dawn.
Rocky movie will never die no matter how old you get 🤘
@Da.wnMarie HELLYEAH thank you 🤘
The cook, Spider or Spiderrico was mentioned in the first Rocky movie. 🥊Rocky had fought him and was telling people, "Yeez, I fought Spiderrico." A guy replied, "Spiderrico? Is he still around?"😮😅
In the DVD extras Stallone calls Rocky a very nurturing character, always trying to take care of everyone.
10:00=He called Paulie a "human hamper", as in a laundry hamper. And, Stallone was 60 yrs old when this film premiered.
You should check out "Copland" it is one of Satllones best "older" movies.
Rocky is one of the best journeys ever. Hope you enjoy Creed too. Spider is the boxer Rocky best in the very first fight in the first movie.
Creed 1 and 2 are continuations of Rocky (sorta)
Rocky moves into the Mickey mentor role for Apollo's son...
When they panned to Paulie at the beginning you said exactly what I was expecting you to say. 😂😂
Hello Dawn Marie!😊 I knew you were going to say how can Adrian be dead, and Pauly is still alive.😆 This comes up a lot! In the original script Adrian was still alive. But, they thought for the development of the Rocky character, she should be deceased. Talia Shire (Adrian) also agreed it was probably best for the film. No, she is not really dead, Dawn.😉 Yep, Spider Rico did fight Rocky in the original film. It is the same actor doing dishes at his restaurant. They also brought back the actual turtles (Cuff & Link) for this film. Little Marie is played by a different actress. Dawn, you are so silly.😆 Rocky wasn't born Rocky, it is his boxing name. I believe he picked it after boxer Rocky Marciano. He was born Robert, and his son is Robert too.😉 They actually did take down the statue after they stopped making Rocky films for many years. But, they had a vote and the city put the statue back. Stallone was only 60 years old when this was made. Rocky does star in the first two "Creed" films, so they are worth watching!🏆 Great reactions to your sixth and final Rocky film, Dawn Marie!!!!🎬👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hopefully the young champion learned you can't take anything for granted, not even yourself. Great movie with a great message for livng, and your reaction was wonderful. Thanks for letting us watch with you, and God bless you.
In reality they’ve moved the statue a few times. It’s currently at the bottom of the steps, off to the side.
Weird thing. My wife is called Little Maree and my daughter is called Thalia. Different spellings but when you say their names it makes me smile.
There really hasn't been a bad Rocky movie. And what little I've seen of the Creed movies was pretty good too.
Don't worry, Dawn, Talia is very much alive ❤️
The restaurant reminds me of my aunt, who passed away in 1994. My uncle named his restaurant, Dolly's, after her. It was located in Davis Square, Somerville, MA. He told me, "Dolly always wanted to see her name in lights." I miss them both.
0:01
It's actually not the end of the Rocky Movies, or at least story, because Rocky is also in Creed and Creed 2 movies, where his story continues, along with a new character; so you definitely need to watch Creed and Creed 2 also.
I loved this one. Aside from the fight which I won't comment on, this movie is fantastic. It's back to old Rocky, Rocky1&2 type of Stallone and that really gritty acting.❤❤❤❤❤
The statue was removed and relocated at Stallones house, which he subsequently sold to the singer Adele. As such, she now owns the statue
Actually there were 3 statues made...Sly had 2 and 1 is at the steps. Adele bought the 3rd one with the house
Indeed Rocky's speech to his son is epic/iconic/motivational - then again so is he. Talia Shire assured everyone that the filmmakers came to her to get her blessing :D But still bittersweet. Spider was the first fighter Rocky fights at the beginning of ROCKY. The remark about 'reservation' by Paulie refers to Native Americans having reservations (land allotted to them to live on by the US government sanctioned) - hence the poor joke. And now on to the CREED films, Dawn :D