The name Sylvester Stallone has been associated with many memorable and influential movies in our lifetimes. He was the star of Rocky (1976), the original Expendables (2001), and the remakes Expendables 2 and 3. Besides his amazing action moves and incredible skills, he also has a unique sense of humor and an eye for drama. That’s why he is an acclaimed actor who is a popular celebrity.
Rocky (1976)
Sylvester Stallone is an international movie star. His breakout performance in Rocky helped launch his career. He has since appeared in many other movies.
When the production of Rocky began, the budget was a mere $960,000. Despite its low budget, the film’s box office performance made it one of the most successful films of all time. In 1976, the film won three Academy Awards. It was also nominated for ten others.
The film is about an unprepared boxer, Rocky Balboa, who trains at a local gym with Mickey Goldmill. However, he is selected to compete against the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. They will fight for 15 rounds, and the winner will be the champion.
Throughout the film, there are a number of injuries. Rocky’s dog Butkus is actually Stallone’s family dog. Also, he suffers bruised ribs during the production of the film.
Before the film’s release, the producers had trouble casting other major characters. The lead was originally chosen to be Carrie Snodgress, but the money dispute forced them to look elsewhere. Eventually, Talia Shire was cast to play Adrian.
In addition to the fight, the movie depicts a romance between Rocky and Adrian. However, the relationship is not serious. Paulie, Rocky’s best friend, is jealous of his success. As a result, he begins to date Adrian.
In addition to its great dialogue and acting, the film contains the most memorable music score of all time. Bill Conti composed the soundtrack. EMI re-released the film’s complete soundtrack in 1988.
This film has spawned a series of sequels. All of the sequels have starred Stallone. These include Rocky III, Rocky IV, and Creed II.
The film received mostly positive reviews. The film has been ranked among the greatest sports movies of all time. It is considered by many as the ultimate underdog film.
Sylvester Stallone has won several awards for his role in the film. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Rocky, and received two Golden Globe nominations.
Although the film did not win a majority of its critics’ votes, it still managed to bring back the feel good movies of the past. And, as a result of this, Rocky and its theme song have become a cultural phenomenon.
Cobra (1986)
Cobra is one of the most memorable action films of all time. It was directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by Sylvester Stallone. Despite the acclaim it received at the box office, the film was a critical flop. However, it still managed to gross $160 million worldwide. Despite the low critical rating, it is still considered a classic of its genre.
The film is about a LAPD detective, known as Cobra, who tries to stop a group of violent neo-Nazis. Along the way, he falls in love with a model who is being held in protective custody.
Cobra is an unorthodox police officer with a no-nonsense approach towards criminals. He also has a keen sense of humor, especially in dangerous situations. When he and his partner, Tony Gonzales, are assigned to protect Ingrid Knudsen, they develop a romantic relationship. But when the two men are involved in a shootout, they find themselves on a collision course with the New World Order.
Cobra was nominated for six Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Supporting Actor, and Worst Screenplay. Ultimately, the movie only garnered 18% approval from Rotten Tomatoes.
A lot of people don’t like the violence in this movie. However, the movie isn’t without its flaws. Besides, the movie was heavily re-edited to get rid of graphic scenes.
The movie has an extra scene, in which the cops shoot paper targets at a sniper. Another scene shows a sniper guy looking at the wires on his gun. There are even close ups of fruits exploding.
Another notable scene comes after the first murder. A gang member has a knife in his belly. This is a cut scene, but it plays longer.
Sylvester Stallone’s performance as Cobra was not flawless, and some critics called his performance a failure. Overall, though, the movie is a must see for fans of action movies.
Luckily, the movie was made into a director’s cut, shortened to two hours. That version was broadcast on television in the early 1990s.
Cobra was a major vanity project for Sylvester Stallone. His ego gave him the confidence to perform well.
Over the Top (1987)
Over the Top is a movie about a man and his son. The film focuses on the macho-mindedness of a man who tries to make his son a man by sending him to a military academy. It is also the story of a big-rig trucker who finds his life turned around after his son asks him to come back.
The film is directed by Menahem Golan and written by Sylvester Stallone and Stirling Silliphant. A glitzy soundtrack features songs by Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins. This movie was one of Stallone’s best performances.
While Over the Top isn’t the greatest movie of all time, it does have some cool stuff. In fact, it has a 4.5/10 approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is actually a well-constructed sports drama. There is an excellent father-son subplot, and some really cool symbolism.
The adage “when you want something, you’ve got to get it” is an old adage that still rings true in the 21st century. When Stallone’s character arm wrestles a rival, it isn’t just a gimmick. Rather, it’s a metaphor for achieving masculinity.
Although the movie is a little old fashioned, it can be fun to watch. For example, there is a bucking bicycle that is used as a prop. Unlike many of the other movies that are cliched in this category, Over the Top has a believable plot.
The film does have some cheesy moments, and the main protagonist, Lincoln Hawk, isn’t too slick. But the film is also a reminder that there is more to life than being a badass.
It’s also the most expensive film made in the United States in the mid-eighties. Sylvester Stallone received a reported $12 million to star in Over the Top. At the time, Cannon Films were kings of the B-movie, and were looking to move into the big leagues.
Even the movie nerds will enjoy Over the Top. The film is a surprisingly smart homage to the Eighties. With a $25 million budget and a dazzling array of hypermasculine characters, it’s hard not to see what a good job the production team did.
Expendables 2 and 3
If you’re a fan of action movies, you’re likely to love Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables series. As the series’ star, Stallone has the advantage of choosing an improbable cast. Some of his actors have been used in films before.
For his latest movie, Stallone reteams with his old cast and adds a new one. Wesley Snipes joins the film as Doctor Death. His expertise with blades makes him a formidable competitor to Jason Statham’s Lee Christmas.
Also joining the franchise are Ronda Rousey, who is making her acting debut. Rousey, a former MMA fighter, has a powerful image of an unbeatable baddie. She has already been profiled in the New Yorker as “Mean Girl”.
Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables” series has an eclectic mix of references and characters. There are homages to popular culture and television shows. And the filmmakers have created a style that is indifferently shot, humorous, and hard-core.
In the sequel, Conrad Stonebanks is a ruthless arms trader. He kills most of his crew members. Despite this, he is believed to be dead. Now, he’s pursuing the death of the Expendables.
When a new mission arises, he recruits a team of younger, faster, and more tech-savvy people. This includes John Smilee (Kellan Lutz), a fearless fighter who sports biker tattoos. He’s also armed with a Dillon M-134D Gatling gun that spits out 3,000 rounds per minute.
Stallone’s cast also includes Barney Ross, the team’s founder and leader. His weapons include handguns, assault rifles, and a dual-modified Kimber Gold Combat II. Ross is also a loyal and protective character.
Although the first movie was an instant hit, Stallone and his filmmakers have tried to avoid repeating their mistakes. They’ve introduced new and interesting additions to the Expendables, including Luna, a mercenary who excels in close-quarters combat.
Fans of action movies will be eager to see how Stallone and his team will tackle this latest mission. The Expendables 3 is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Luckily, it’s the best movie of the year.
The Expendables 2 was released in 2012. It was directed by Simon West.