Grant Malfitano (grantmalf)

Stallone is the creative force behind what may be one of the most inspiring and powerful films ever. His screenplay crafts the perfect story of an underdog, and at the same time weaving in a touching love story. Stallone's performance is restrained, yet moving. His scenes with Burgess Meredith are simply brilliant, as is the climactic fight scene with his nemesis that would one day be friend...Apollo Creed. Avildsen's directing is moody and creative..with some of the first use of the steady cam in Rocky's training scenes. However, Avildsen is only as good as the material he is given, and the material here provided by the now grossly underrated Stallone both in writing and acting, is superb. One of the best ever, and a film that changed my life.