Rocky

On the way to Rome from SLC I watched only one movie and it was the first time I saw this film...Rocky. Yes, that is almost unforgivable for an American male born in 1980, but somehow I had not seen this classic until last week. I know the music, I know the storyline, but I haven’t ever let it go through me like you do when you sit and watch a film for 2 hours. Not only is it a classic, it is an Academy Award winner, probably the best ROI on any film, and launched an entire genre of sports films. I put a bit about it’s success from Wikipedia below.

Happy Sat.

ScottyP

Rocky entered development in March 1975, after Stallone wrote the screenplay in three days. It entered a complicated production process after Stallone refused to allow the film to be made without him in the lead role; United Artists eventually agreed to cast Stallone after he rejected a six figure deal for the film rights. Principal photography began in January 1976, with filming primarily held in Philadelphia; several locations featured in the film, such as the Rocky Steps, are now considered cultural landmarks.^[3] With an estimated production budget of under $1 million, Rocky popularized the rags to riches and American Dream themes of sports dramas which preceded the film.

Rocky had its premiere in New York City on November 20, 1976, and was released in the United States on December 3, 1976. Rocky became the highest-grossing film of 1976, earning approximately $225 million worldwide. The film received critical acclaim for Stallone's writing, as well as the film's performances, direction, musical score, cinematography and editing; among other accolades, it received ten Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture. It has been ranked by numerous publications as one of the greatest films of all time, as well as one of the most iconic sports films ever.