Rocky (1976)

His whole life was a million to one shot

Rocky will go down as one of the greatest movies ever made. If Sylvester Stallone's story behind bringing Rocky to the big screen is not one to go by, the movie proves just as emotional, ambitious and heavily inspiring. Let's take a trip back in time to review a movie that was scripted by Sly and nearly sold for the price of a few meals.

Pennsylvania is home to many characters stalking the gritty streets of Philadelphia, catering for the company of poverty stricken individuals on every corner. Small-time loan shark and local boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is one such resident of this area. Struggling to make a break-through with the sport he loves, Rocky gets the chance to defy all odds when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) grants him a once in a life time opportunity to compete for the title.

Although Rocky has adapted to his own company, he looks to keep it that way, even when gym owner and former trainer Micky (Burgess Meredith); comes knocking, offering to lend a hand in helping Rocky survive the fight. With very little choice, Rocky is forced to accept the opportunity from Micky; despite years of bad blood and fall-outs relating to what Rocky could have been, but never was. On the other hand, Apollo's camp is sceptical of his chosen opponent. Apollo can only see the fight going one way. The egotistical big-mouth seems more worried about the media's build up to the fight and what the result of the fight could mean for Apollo's generosity in the future.

Despite being swallowed by a level of pessimistic perceptions, Rocky concedes a level of optimism along with the help and company of Adrian (Talia Shire); a local pet shop assistant who plays a significant role in Rocky's ambition, while an unwritten chemistry quickly evolves, leading to a love story that would carry the saga - from start to finish.

Written and directed by Sylvester himself, Rocky would go on to be one the greatest sporting dramas of our time. Rocky is critically acclaimed for its creation of mixed emotions and extraordinary characters. The fictional biopic (based on the lasting bout between Ali and Chuck Wepner) tends to suck you in from the beginning as the "rags to riches" sympathetic sensation of one man's ambition is heartfelt every time.

Watch as Rocky and Mickey battle the critics of America, sweeping aside the "underdog" perception in a bid to defy the odds. The "Take you back" introduction is one of many nostalgic sequences, even for those who were not around in the 70s (like me).

38 years down the line, Rocky continues to supply a mash up of emotional aspects and exciting sequences. Despite the interactions between Apollo and Rocky, ignoring the well rehearsed annoyance of Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young), taking in the memorable "blood sweat and tears" between Rocky and Micky; in my opinion, Rocky stands out significantly due to the presence of Talia Shire. Her performance brings out an ecstatic audition in Sylvester Stallone - revealing a blossoming relationship that makes Rocky a joy to watch, over and over again.

Sylvester Stallone's classical effort picked up an academy award for best picture in 1977 which has resulted in the recognition of Stallone today.

Stay tuned for Rocky 2.

A Trick-or-Treat Review; Carrie (1976)

As we continue to celebrate Halloween, let's look at another classic of the 70's; a year in which most original concepts of horror had come about.

Released in 1976, Carrie is a tale of vulnerability at the highest as we follow the path of Carrie (Sissy Spacek); a reclusive high-school student who through-out has had her fair share of incidents regarding her lonely persona which seems to attract malicious bullys.

Not much help in her troubled life is her mother Margaret (Piper Laurie) who has strong, sadistic religious beliefs. The controlled paranoia of Carrie's mother is particularly seen when she features in one of many sinister moments between mother and daughter; Carrie is sent home early due to a scene in the schools showers when she freaks out after getting her first period, attracting the attention of heartless students to laugh and throw things at her. (Yep, quite sad really).

Margaret can only see her daughters situation as a sin, while constantly revealing her regrettable desire of killing Carrie as a child. Margaret condones intimate relations, viewing such an act as extremely sinful.

While Carrie is sometimes forced into repeating her mothers religious chants and locked in the "Sin" room for forgiveness, Carrie begins to notice a telekinetic change in her mind, revealing an extraction of movements and powerful forces.

While not fully understanding the sheer power behind this, it is when Carrie is suddenly asked to the dance by Tommy Ross (William Katt). Carrie mistakenly sees this a glorious opportunity to be accepted and for once in her life, sociable. However the events concerning Carrie and a minority of bully's change the course of her haunting ability.

From start to finish Carrie offers an original spookish concept of ones desire and utter portrayal that leads a reclusive to believe in sociability outside the home her mother continues to rule. The constant Psycho resemblance is seen through-out an plays a wonderful tribute to Hitchcock's masterpiece, referencing the "Eeek" almost slash sounds occurring through-out the films time line.

Directed by Brian De Palma, with Stephen King's novel at hand, Brian creates a fantastic jerk of back-forward scenes that involve Carrie at the happiest of times, even though you know deep down this girl is tormented by pretty much everyone surrounding her. The terrifying jingles of emotions are heard and witnessed by Carrie alone in her bedroom, then a couple of brief reflections of the teens in high-school who are truly enjoying themselves but oblivious to Carries haunting presence.

I was quite surprised to see a goofy John Travolta appearance. He plays Billy Nolan; a puppet alongside high-school popularity queen Chris (Nancy Allen) who some might know as Murphy, aka Robocop's annoying partner. It is more so the antics of Chris who is hell bound on destroying further-more the reputation of Carrie.

The haunting element of this classic are carried out by the freakish chemistry between Carrie and her brain-washed mother. Although the finale results in a memorable cinematic climax, you never forget the performances from both Sissy Spacek and onscreen next of kin, Piper Laurie.

Overall; Another horror classic that leaves a frightening taste before bed. If it isn't the conclusion of this short masterpiece that gets you, it will be the onscreen performance of Carrie's mother that will stay with you for a very long time.