There are certain films that transcend the screen and become something much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. Rocky is undoubtedly one of those films. Nearly fifty years after its release, its story of perseverance, determination and believing in yourself continues to resonate with audiences around the world. With I Play Rocky, we get an opportunity to experience the remarkable story behind one of cinema's greatest underdogs, and the result is every bit as heartfelt and inspiring as the film that started it all.
What makes I Play Rocky such a rewarding experience is that it understands what made the original film so special in the first place. This isn't simply a story about the making of a Hollywood classic. It's about a young Sylvester Stallone refusing to give up on himself or the character he believed in, even when the odds seemed overwhelmingly stacked against him. There's something genuinely moving about watching someone fight for an opportunity when the easier option would have been to walk away.
Anthony Ippolito is absolutely phenomenal as a young Sylvester Stallone. Rather than feeling like someone simply doing an impression of an iconic Hollywood figure, Ippolito manages to capture the personality, mannerisms, and determination that made Stallone such a compelling presence. There were moments when I genuinely felt like I was watching a young Sly himself. It's the kind of performance that could have easily fallen into imitation, but Ippolito brings a sincerity to the role that makes it work beautifully. I truly believe he deserves to be part of the conversation when awards season rolls around.
While Anthony Ippolito undoubtedly carries the film, the supporting cast deserves just as much recognition. AnnaSophia Robb is wonderful as Stallone's first wife, Sasha Czack, bringing a warmth and emotional sincerity to the story. Her performance helps ground the film, reminding us that behind Stallone's determination was someone who believed in him even when Hollywood didn't. P.J. Byrne and Toby Kebbell are equally fantastic as producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. The two have great chemistry, and their performances add another entertaining dimension to the film as we watch the challenges of bringing Rocky to life unfold. What I appreciated about these performances is how they help make this feel like more than just Stallone's story. It's also about the people who played a part in making one of cinema's greatest underdog stories a reality.
Anothe thing I appreciated most was how the film balances its emotional moments with humor and entertainment. While the struggles behind bringing Rocky to life are central to the story, I Play Rocky never loses the charm that makes this journey so enjoyable to watch. There's an infectious energy throughout the film, and even when you know how the story ultimately ends, you still find yourself rooting for Stallone to succeed.
And that's perhaps the greatest accomplishment here. We already know that Rocky becomes one of the most beloved films in cinematic history. We know what it eventually means for Stallone's career. Yet somehow, watching that journey unfold still carries a tremendous amount of emotional weight. Much like the original film, it's not necessarily about the destination. It's about everything the character has to endure to get there.
For longtime Rocky fans, there's an additional layer of appreciation in seeing the passion and determination behind a film that has meant so much to so many people. But even for those who aren't particularly familiar with the franchise, the story itself is universal enough to stand on its own.
On a more personal note, I had the opportunity to bring my dad along to the screening, which made the experience even more special. As a lifelong Rocky fan, he couldn't praise this film enough, and getting to share that experience with him was something I genuinely appreciated. There's something special about watching a film that celebrates a story so many of us grew up loving, especially alongside someone who has carried that appreciation for decades. Seeing how much he enjoyed it only reinforced just how powerful and timeless the legacy of Rocky truly is.
Funny, inspiring, heartfelt, and flat-out entertaining, I Play Rocky is a wonderful reminder of why we love movies in the first place. It's a celebration of storytelling, perseverance, and the people who refuse to let anyone else determine what they're capable of achieving. If you're a Rocky fan, this is absolutely one you don't want to miss. And if you're not, you might just walk away understanding why this story has continued to inspire audiences for generations.
Rating:
4.5/5
Disclaimer: All images used in this review are © of Amazon MGM Studios and are included for review, commentary, and editorial purposes only.
I Play Rocky is NOW PLAYING only in theaters.
