I Play Rocky Film Review

I Play Rocky will likely generate awards buzz. Peter Farrelly directs this underdog story of perseverance. Farrelly tempers the trademark humor found in earlier comedies he made with his brother Bobby, such as Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary. The film features strong performances, heartfelt moments, and a script that moves quickly despite a few stumbles. Its central message is stated explicitly in the final scene.

I Play Rocky functions as a reliable crowd-pleaser that plays safely. Peter Gamble’s script is fluid and funny. It lingers too long in certain periods of Sylvester Stallone’s journey toward making Rocky, but it captures a pivotal moment in his budding career. After losing out on multiple roles and being ignored as an actor, Stallone receives advice and decides to make his own luck. He writes a script to showcase his talents and fights with a studio executive to star in the project. The narrative shifts into a story about Hollywood suits attempting to convince Stallone to sell his script while punishing him when he refuses. Everyone tells him he cannot succeed, which makes his eventual triumph satisfying. However, audiences have seen that same story before in the actual movie I Play Rocky chronicles.

Anthony Ippolito portrays Sly Stallone, but the supporting cast provides the strongest elements. Character actors populate the drama, adding intensity and comedy to the story. Jay Duplass plays director John G. Avildsen, bringing a realistic intensity that serves as an ally to Stallone. P.J. Byrne and Toby Kebbell appear as legendary producing duo Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff.

AnnaSophia Robb, known for Rebel Ridge and Bridge to Terabithia, stars as Sasha Czack. She plays Stallone’s earliest ally and first wife who pushes the actor into the spotlight. Robb delivers a stern and supportive performance that challenges Ippolito’s optimism. As a former child actor, Robb handles this prominent role effectively.

Anthony Ippolito resembles a young Stallone and delivers a strong performance. After playing Al Pacino in The Offer, which chronicled the adaptation of The Godfather, Ippolito demonstrates skill in recreating young Hollywood personalities. His performance captures Stallone’s dogged perseverance.

Tracy Letts plays the fictional MGM boss Sandy Maddox. Maddox serves as a villainous obstacle, arguing that Stallone looks too unusual and lacks the acting skill to carry a movie. Maddox offers to pay Stallone to sell the script so the studio can make Rocky without him, but the actor refuses despite financial struggles.

The film adopts the classic beats of overcoming the odds through montages, humorous asides, and serious moments of self-advocacy. The ending is designed to satisfy audiences and highlights the painstaking journey required to create meaningful art.

Viewers will likely encounter the film repeatedly on streaming services or through syndication over the years.

I Play Rocky debuts with a limited theatrical run on Nov. 6 and expands nationwide on Nov. 20.

Source: Polygon