‘Rocky’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan
Mar 4, 2025
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The hosts dive deep into the iconic film 'Rocky,' celebrating its character development and the nostalgia it evokes. They explore the cultural impact of the film on sports cinema, highlighting themes of perseverance and mentorship. The discussion contrasts Stallone's creative control with Hollywood dynamics of the time. Expect lively debates over memorable scenes and the film's legacy in Philadelphia. With humor, they reflect on character dynamics, iconic moments, and even ponder future reboots, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast emphasizes how 'Rocky' established the underdog narrative that has significantly influenced sports films for decades.
A focus on character development allows 'Rocky' to navigate complex themes such as vulnerability, making it relatable beyond fight scenes.
The discussion unveils the darker realities of boxing portrayed in 'Rocky', illustrating the manipulative narratives that complicate athletes' true skills.
Stallone's performance and Adrian's character evolution showcase the importance of personal struggles and supportive relationships in driving the film's emotional depth.
Deep dives
Live Show Announcement
A live show is set to take place in Boston on March 27th at the House of Blues, featuring the Dream Team of hosts. The excitement revolves around the event as they prepare to celebrate their first performance in Boston, a city they've long wanted to visit. There is anticipation for discussing a Boston-themed movie, alongside the usual engaging commentary about film culture. Details regarding the event will soon be available on their official website.
Rocky as a Cultural Touchstone
Rocky is positioned as one of the most significant films in the last half-century, effectively establishing the template for sports movies. The movie emphasizes the underdog narrative, resonating with audiences both in its time and beyond. Its story structure, where personal struggles lead to dramatic showdowns, has been widely emulated in various genres. The panel draws comparisons to other films, highlighting Rocky's profound impact on cinematic storytelling.
Character Study and Emotional Depth
The initial portion of Rocky serves as a deep character study, highlighting his struggles and the emotional stakes of his journey. The speakers discuss how the film meticulously builds tension, revealing Rocky's vulnerabilities and complexities. They reflect on how these early moments are mostly overlooked when audiences rewatch the film, often tuning in at pivotal fight scenes. These dynamics contribute to Rocky’s sincerity and relatability, which have made it eternally watchable.
Boxing and Media Manipulation Theme
The podcast delves into the darker aspects of boxing depicted in Rocky, suggesting that behind-the-scenes manipulations profoundly affect perceptions of athletes. The interplay between the fighters' true skill and the manufactured narratives crafted by promoters is explored, drawing parallels to real-world examples. They argue that this theme enriches Rocky by adding layers to the characters' motivations and the industry's grim realities. This manipulation dissipates the myth of pure athleticism portrayed in many prior sports films.
Cinematic Influences and Era Context
The discussion highlights how Rocky is indicative of the 1970s cinema, connecting it to ongoing social issues and artistic movements of that time. Films from this era are noted for tackling gritty realities, contrasting starkly with the lighter narratives that would follow in the 80s and beyond. Aspects such as character development and emotional depth are underscored as critical elements in distinguishing Rocky from later, more formulaic sports narratives. This era's focus on character-driven stories offers a foundation for analyzing how American life is portrayed in cinema.
Stallone's Iconic Performance
Sylvester Stallone's performance as Rocky stands as a turning point in his career, representing the quintessential rags-to-riches story that captures the audience's imagination. The podcast examines how Stallone's personal journey resonates with that of Rocky, as both face significant hurdles and emerge victorious. The authenticity of his portrayal invites audiences to invest emotionally in Rocky's journey, making his struggles feel personal. Stallone's determination and commitment to the character contributed significantly to the film's cultural impact.
Adrian's Character Development
Adrian, portrayed by Talia Shire, undergoes significant character growth throughout the film, transitioning from a timid pet store worker to Rocky's steadfast partner. The discussion centers on how moments where she takes control of her identity are both empowering and pivotal for her character arc. Adrian serves as a reminder of the personal stakes attached to Rocky’s journey and highlights the importance of strong supportive figures in his life. The panel expresses admiration for how her character challenges traditional gender norms prevalent in film during that era.
It ain’t about how hard you watch. It’s about how hard you rewatch and keep moving forward. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan revisit the 1976 classic ‘Rocky’ starring Syllvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Carl Weathers.
