Saturday Matinee #12

Audiobook Reviews from Audiobook-Heaven
Presents Saturday Matinee

-----Movie Review #1-----

Title: Rocky
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith
Narrator: uncredited
Running time: 120 minutes
Released in: 1976
Genre: sports
Filed in: Movie reviews

Rocky Balboa is a small-time fighter from the mean streets of Philadelphia with a crush on the girl who works at the local pet store. He may not be too bright, but he’s got heart. Ever since he became a fighter, Rocky has been waiting for his big chance, but he’s not getting any younger and fears it may never come.
Apollo Creed is the heavyweight champion of the world with an ego to match Rocky’s heart. When a deal for a title bout in Philadelphia falls through, Apollo needs to find a replacement opponent fast so as not to disappoint his fans. He chooses Rocky. Giving a small-timer like Rocky a shot at the title will make Apollo look good, and there’s no risk to Apollo since the bum has no chance of lasting three rounds with the champ. This is the last time anyone will underestimate the Italian Stallion.
This is the one that started the legend. Hard to believe this movie came out 35 years ago. America loves to see an underdog overcome an overwhelming opponent, and Rocky is one of the greatest examples of that. This is a classic movie that will live forever.


-----Movie Review #2-----

Title: Rocky 2
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith
Narrator: uncredited
Running time: 119 minutes
Released in: 1979
Genre: sports
Filed in: Movie reviews

Rocky 2 picks up right where Rocky left off. Neither fighter was happy with the outcome of the title bout. Apollo Creed is still the champ, but feels he was too easy on Rocky, allowing the nobody to go the distance with him. Now he wants a rematch to prove to the world that Rocky was just plain lucky the first time.
Meanwhile, Rocky and Adrian have gotten married. Adrian doesn’t want Rocky fighting anymore, and believes they can get by without it. And besides, Rocky’s eye was damaged in the first fight, and another match could blind him forever.
Pressures mount as Apollo ridicules Rocky on tv, and Rocky struggles to suppress his true nature, the nature of a fighter. Can the Italian Stallion pass up a second chance to become the champ?
I really love the character of Mickey in these movies, played by Burgess Meredith. First he tries to persuade Rocky not to fight again, telling Rocky “He’ll beat you uglier than you already are.” Then when they decide to go for it, he tells Rocky “You’re gonna eat lightning, and crap thunder!” That’s what I love about Mickey, he’s so elegant.
Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky, and then went on to not only write, but direct Rocky 2. Pretty good work. Both of these movies have grossed more than $200 million.

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Movie reviews by Steven Brandt.
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