Change Your Image
krolewskimichael
Reviews
Man of Steel (2013)
Impressive reboot, but too CG heavy
Has special effects that far surpass the Christopher Reeve classics, and contains solid performances by all the cast. It however, lacks the appeal and fun, of the original in addition to John Williams incomparable original score. In addition, the movie relies a little too much on CG.
Rocky (1976)
Like a Dream
Rocky is a film that just works on so many levels. Yes, it was low budget, even for 1976, but it's one of the aspects of the film that actually works to it's advantage. Rocky is a man from the humble streets of Philadelphia, poor and seemingly going nowhere in life. The movie, much like it's sequels paralleled the struggles that Stallone faced making it as an actor. The cinematography and the way it's shot really sympathizes with the way Rocky saw his life. Stallone with his charm and wit took a lot of the limitations and budget restrictions of the movie and just made it work. It is unquestionably the best of the series. As time goes by it's more clear that this film carries an inspiration that resonates. I recently visited the city of Philadelphia, and saw the Rocky statue, and felt the movie has a lasting legacy, not just for Philadelphia but for all humanity. The scene just before the fight where Rocky reveals to Adrian his doubts and fears about fighting Apollo was shot at the last minute but is one of the key scenes to the movie. Truly, one of the most inspiring movies ever made!!
Creed (2015)
A worthy follow up to the original
As much as I would like to call this Sly's best performance in a movie, I just can't. I mean what can top his performance in the original? This one, however is a very close second. Michael B. Jordan is obviously the star, is in top form and delivers a knock-out performance, but Sly still steals the show in my opinion.
The scene where Rocky argues with Adonis about not wanting to take chemotherapy for his cancer just does it for me. He should've got an academy award for his efforts in that one scene alone. How they made him look so sick as he expressed his pain and grief.
Like the original, the movie isn't so much about boxing, as it is about climbing mountains, and fighting personal battles in life. Sly and Jordan share good screen chemistry and give it their all.
One necessary plot twist is the discovery of Adonis being the product of his father Apollo Creed's infidelity before he was killed in the ring by Ivan Drago.
The musical score is absolutely awesome, Adonis' final fight with "Pretty Ricky Conlan" looked very realistic and great performances by all.
Gran Torino (2008)
A movie about tough love
One of Clint's absolute best. I love this movie. I have to admit the humour can be inappropriate at times, but you can see Eastwood's influence all over this movie. To the casual observer this movie may seem cruel and heartless but when given a chance it really shows tough love a great heart. Some of the jokes and comments made are very racist, and a lot of F-bombs, not for people who are sensitve to these kinds of things. On the surface Korean war veteran Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) seems to dislike his Hmong neighbours but deep down he really does love them, as is revealed as the movie unfolds. At times you might wonder where the film is headed, if anywhere, but seen to the very end you finally get it!! One of the best of his illustrious career.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky's Redemption
Every bit as inspiring as the one that started it all, and a much more appropriate ending to the Rocky story, or was it the end? Some would argue that the beginning of the film just takes you back to the same familliar material of the first films but I personally felt it gave you the understanding of what was going on in Rocky's psyche. He's lonely and he's still living in the past when Adrian was alive, but he needs to move on. He needs one more fight, not just because it's what he loves doing but for him to release the grief, pain and sadness he'd been carrying for some time. Another great performance by Burt Young as Paulie, Geraldine Hughes as little Marie, and Milo Vintimiglia as Robert, Rocky's son.
Rocky IV (1985)
"I must break you!!"
This installment of Rocky slightly recaptures the inspiration and spirit of the originals, but seems to be missing something. It wasn't long enough and had too many montages to lengthen it out. I must say that the montage of Rocky driving his Ferrari thinking about his now deceased friend brought more emotional impact to the film. The scene of the American boxing commission refusing to sanction Rocky's fight with Drago should of been included in the original because it clears up the confusion as to why the title was not on the line. Great music although I miss Bill Conti's score from the previous films. Solid performances from everbody including Bridgette Nielson as she's basically Drago's wife and spokesperson. Dolph Lundgren didn't have to do too much except look intimidating and destroy people. The Russian spectators suddenly cheering for Rocky half way through the fight? Give me a break. Entertaining but a little far fetched
Rocky V (1990)
Not quite as bad as people make it out to be
There were a lot of things about this Rocky that just didn't work. For one thing Rocky really sounds like he's got brain damage in this one, however in fairness he did just takes some extremely hard shots from Ivan Drago....Although I'm glad that Rocky's character didn't die at the end as was the original intention, it's the very reason that the final street brawl didn't work. It does show a lot of heart and sensitivity from Stallone however. It's not so much a movie about boxing as it is a story about a father and a son facing the crises of life together and thereby becoming closer. I found the George "Washington" Duke character very annoying and Tommy Morrison not the greatest actor. It is still the weakest in the series
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky meets the 80's
I've always loved this installment in the Rocky series. It was actually the first one that I saw when I was a kid and at the time thought it was the best one. However, in retrospect it was really more about money, commercialism and excess in the 80's. I would say Vince Mcmahon of the WWE has Stallone to thank, because of the great exposure he brought to Hulk Hogan, Mr. T for that matter, and professional wrestling. The pacing of the movie is faster and more intense than the first two movies, however Rocky sort of became what you didn't like. He's got loads of money, and he not the down and out paluka that he used to be, although at one point of the movie he is. It's definitely not the worst of the series but slightly lacks the heart of the first two movies, partially because of the death of Burgess Meredith's character Mickey. Still an exciting sequel
My Girl 2 (1994)
More appropriate for younger children than the original, but not as good.
This film was rather heartwarming whereas the original was more heartbreaking. As much as I loved the original, this film isn't as emotionally hard hitting for young children.