I remember watching this film on TV as a kid.
I was obsessed with Stallone in th 80s, but by then, he was the jacked up, shaven chested muscle bound mega star, with pop/rock soundtracks.
But this had more of the original ROCKY feel about it.
Not surprising as it was based around anothe report and a lot of the same crew and actors.
It's really flawed. Sometimes Stallone is trying a bit too hard in his role, in contrast to the natural rythym of the first Rocky.
But then again, its quite grating character, that mellows out.
I loved how it could have been played tough and mean, like the other anti-hero films of the time. MEAN STREETS of TAXI DRIVER.
But this has an odd tone. I know that's why a lot of people didn't like it. Some of the characters are vaudeville-like. I felt it was a brave move.
But I can see why that would annoy people.
And not a great deal happens for half the film. It probably was too indulgent in some scenes, but I love films, where, if you like the characters and their dialogue, you can just hang out with them.
That's what got me obsessed with cinema of the 70s. Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, French Connection, and again, Rocky.
Those films, for me, weren't driven by plot, but by character. Hanging out. I love that.
And it looks great. I love the look of film, compared to most of the CG worlds created today. Or the clarity of primary colours with your ultra, ultra, ultra high quality cameras.
With those films mentioned , as with this film. The environment is as much a character as the characters themselves.
You can feel the cold, smell the streets, feel the gloom of the rundown bars.
And the three scenes in particular I love.
When he drops the ice down the stairs, the little montage of them going about their work, and finding the dead body on the doorstep.
And Big Glory's suicide.
I'd give it 10/10, but I know it's still flawed.
(maybe take an extra star off for the singing)
I was obsessed with Stallone in th 80s, but by then, he was the jacked up, shaven chested muscle bound mega star, with pop/rock soundtracks.
But this had more of the original ROCKY feel about it.
Not surprising as it was based around anothe report and a lot of the same crew and actors.
It's really flawed. Sometimes Stallone is trying a bit too hard in his role, in contrast to the natural rythym of the first Rocky.
But then again, its quite grating character, that mellows out.
I loved how it could have been played tough and mean, like the other anti-hero films of the time. MEAN STREETS of TAXI DRIVER.
But this has an odd tone. I know that's why a lot of people didn't like it. Some of the characters are vaudeville-like. I felt it was a brave move.
But I can see why that would annoy people.
And not a great deal happens for half the film. It probably was too indulgent in some scenes, but I love films, where, if you like the characters and their dialogue, you can just hang out with them.
That's what got me obsessed with cinema of the 70s. Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, French Connection, and again, Rocky.
Those films, for me, weren't driven by plot, but by character. Hanging out. I love that.
And it looks great. I love the look of film, compared to most of the CG worlds created today. Or the clarity of primary colours with your ultra, ultra, ultra high quality cameras.
With those films mentioned , as with this film. The environment is as much a character as the characters themselves.
You can feel the cold, smell the streets, feel the gloom of the rundown bars.
And the three scenes in particular I love.
When he drops the ice down the stairs, the little montage of them going about their work, and finding the dead body on the doorstep.
And Big Glory's suicide.
I'd give it 10/10, but I know it's still flawed.
(maybe take an extra star off for the singing)
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