Peter Farrelly's new film, I Play Rocky, aims for the heartwarming underdog narrative, chronicling Sylvester Stallone's arduous journey to create the iconic film Rocky. While the movie delivers a feel-good experience with strong performances and a message of perseverance, it treads familiar ground, echoing the very story it seeks to tell. The film is poised to become a favorite for audiences seeking an inspiring, if predictable, cinematic outing.
The screenplay by Peter Gamble effectively captures a pivotal moment in Stallone's early career. It highlights his struggles as an actor, his determination to bring his own vision to life, and the inevitable clashes with studio executives. After facing rejection and obscurity, Stallone writes a script to showcase his talents, leading to a conflict with industry players who doubt his potential. The narrative focuses on the pressure to sell his script and the subsequent pushback he receives, amplifying the eventual triumph. However, this narrative arc closely mirrors the meta-story of Rocky itself.
While Anthony Ippolito delivers a commendable performance as Sylvester Stallone, capturing his likeness and dogged perseverance, the supporting cast truly elevates the film. Jay Duplass provides an intense portrayal of director John G. Avildsen, acting as a realist ally to Stallone amidst the Hollywood machine. P.J. Byrne and Toby Kebbell also contribute to the dramatic tension as producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, respectively.
AnnaSophia Robb stands out as Sasha Czack, Stallone's supportive first wife. Robb's performance injects a much-needed emotional anchor and challenges Ippolito's portrayal of optimism. After years of capable performances, Robb finally gets a substantial role that showcases her talent, making her a potential awards contender.
Tracy Letts brings a cartoonish, villainous edge to the fictional MGM boss Sandy Maddox. His portrayal of the executive who doubts Stallone's acting ability and appearance to carry a film provides moments of over-the-top antagonism. This character emphasizes the core struggle: Stallone's perceived unsuitability for stardom.
As I Play Rocky progresses, it leans heavily into the established beats of overcoming adversity, becoming a pastiche of Stallone's own filmography. The movie features classic underdog elements like montages, humorous asides, and moments where Stallone must stand firm. While these cinematic devices pay homage to Stallone's early hits, they sometimes feel unearned within the film's own narrative.
Despite its familiar narrative structure, I Play Rocky is an entertaining film with moments that resonate. The ending, in particular, is crafted for maximum audience satisfaction. It effectively captures the arduous process of creating something meaningful, even when the path forward is unclear. The film is likely to find a recurring audience in syndication, appealing to those looking for a reliably entertaining watch.
I Play Rocky is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 6, with a nationwide rollout on November 20.