The second greatest boxing movie of all time (beaten only by Raging Bull) John G. Avildsen's rags to riches pugilist fable remains Sylvester Stallone's only real cinematic achievement, the surprise being that he not only delivers a winning performance as the loveable lunkhead seizing his chance to take on the champ, but also penned, or rather dictated, the script.
Avildsen uses locations masterfully, delivers some genuinely charming scenes (the ice rink sequence is classic) and knows exactly when to stop. Pretty much a template for high concept drama while Don Simpson was a mere glint in his dealers' eye.
