Review: 'I Play Rocky' Turns Making of a Classic Into Its Own Underdog Tale
The film 'I Play Rocky' retells the making of the 1976 classic as its own underdog story, with Anthony Ippolito playing Sylvester Stallone. Directed by Peter Farrelly, it's a crowd-pleasing drama that celebrates the original movie's enduring appeal. Ippolito's performance is a standout, potentially sparking debate about his acting compared to Stallone.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in its Special Presentations section before its theatrical release on November 6. Director Peter Farrelly, known for broad comedies, here pivots to a more earnest register, with screenwriter Peter Gamble structuring the narrative around Stallone's pre-fame struggles, including his eviction and a sanitized nod to his early softcore work. The supporting cast includes Matt Dillon, Tracy Letts, and Jay Duplass in key roles.
Ippolito's casting came through a self-taped audition submitted before formal casting began, following his prior portrayal of Al Pacino in the miniseries *The Offer*. The production recreates the period when Stallone, then using the name Mike, worked menial jobs while writing what would become the Oscar-winning script, with the screenplay depicting his creative breakthrough after watching the Ali-Wepner fight.
This film may reignite public appreciation for the original *Rocky* among older generations while introducing its underdog narrative to younger viewers unfamiliar with the 1976 classic. It could also spark renewed conversation about Stallone's legacy as both actor and writer, with Ippolito's performance potentially inviting comparisons that reshape how audiences evaluate Stallone's craft. The behind-the-scenes format may appeal to those interested in Hollywood history, though its nostalgic framing could limit broader cultural resonance beyond film enthusiasts.