The improbable creation of the 1976 film Rocky is explored in the new movie I Play Rocky, directed by Peter Farrelly and written by Peter Gamble. The film aims to capture the spirit of the original, which was made on a shoestring budget of just over a million dollars and became a cultural phenomenon.
Anthony Ippolito stars as a young, struggling Sylvester Stallone in early 1970s New York. Initially using the name "Mike," he faces rejections for acting roles and experiences homelessness. He adopts a puppy named Butkus and takes a job as a movie theater ticket-taker, where he meets Sasha (AnnaSophia Robb), who would later become his wife. It's during this period that Stallone conceives of and writes the screenplay for Rocky.
Stallone completed the Rocky screenplay in a mere three days. When producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler (portrayed by Toby Kebbell and P.J. Byrne, respectively) expressed interest in purchasing it, they intended to cast a more established star. However, Stallone insisted on starring in the film himself, a condition that ultimately gave the new movie its title.
Farrelly, known for comedies like Dumb & Dumber and There's Something About Mary, brings his knack for crafting crowd-pleasing narratives to I Play Rocky. The film portrays Stallone's ambition and his struggles, including speech impediments he worked to overcome. Despite facing insults from his father (Matt Dillon), Stallone's self-belief drives him forward.
Ippolito's performance captures the young Stallone's distinctive voice and mannerisms. The supporting cast includes Stephan James as Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed, and Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen. The movie depicts the challenges faced during the production of Rocky, including Stallone's physical commitment to the role, such as punching frozen meat carcasses in a locker scene. I Play Rocky highlights the perseverance behind the making of a film that resonated deeply with audiences, becoming an unexpected hit.