Both Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel are on the press list to receive promotional products from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. He and I have teamed up in the past on his show to review some 4K releases of classic films, especially during 2023’s centennial anniversary of the studio. This time around, Ian and I were treated to advance copies of the new Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection boxed set containing all of the original films of the Sylvester Stallone franchise. For this episode, Ian, myself, and guest Bryan Martinez talk about the bust that was Rocky V and the superior legacy sequel of Rocky Balboa.
Read MoreBoth Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel are on the press list to receive promotional products from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. He and I have teamed up in the past on his show to review some 4K releases of classic films, especially during 2023’s centennial anniversary of the studio. This time around, Ian and I were treated to advance copies of the new Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection boxed set containing all of the original films of the Sylvester Stallone franchise. For the episode, Ian, myself, and guest Bryan Martinez talk about the middle pair of Rocky III and Rocky IV, including the recent Rocky vs. Drago Ultimate Fight director’s cut. Enjoy the show and be sure to subscribe to his podcast.
Read MoreBoth Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel are on the press list to receive promotional products from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. He and I have teamed up in the past on his show to review some 4K releases of classic films, especially during 2023’s centennial anniversary of the studio. This time around, Ian and I were treated to advance copies of the new Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection boxed set containing all of the original films of the Sylvester Stallone franchise. For the episode, Ian and I talk about the Best Picture-winning original and its immediate sequel Rocky II. Enjoy the show and be sure to subscribe to his podcast.
Read MoreAs an equal opportunity movie writer and fan, I would be negligent and remissed if I didn't show my friends of Italian ancestry the same love I did just week for my fellow Irish-Americans. For those who don't know, today, just two days after St. Patrick's Day, is the Feast of St. Joseph, or St. Joseph's Day. This list is a refresh of an editorial list I made five years ago. To my Italian-American readers and friends, take in this list of muddled stereotypes and relish in what the American audience thinks of you and your heritage.
Read MoreTake away every rooted piece of cheesy disconnect and disdain you have calcified in your hearts and minds for whatever bloated quality you remember or assigned to the six-film "Rocky" series and shelf it immediately. The spin-off film "Creed" is a new tangent that gracefully and respectfully builds from the nostalgic anchor that comes with the "Rocky" territory, but grows to never be bound by that history for a second. Ryan Coogler's film successfully strives to be its own bold and rousing saga fitting of the shared connection.
Read MoreIf you've seen one boxing movie, you've seen them all. They are their own formula, cliche, and sub-genre of sports movies. If you've seen one rags-to-riches triumph or riches-to-rags-back-to-riches redemption, you've seen them all. If you've heard one trash talking villain or one sage mentor/trainer/coach jaw on their own, you've heard them all. If you've seen one smoothly-edited training montage that leads to the big, loud and predictable ending fight, you've seen the all. "Southpaw" sadly brings nothing new to the table.
Read MoreHere's my official list of my top 10 movie scores with three unbreakable ties. I can't call them the "greatest," but I'll put my list next to anyone's and defend my choices. My friends and followers kind of poked the bear and encouraged me to make and rank my own list. Well, I love a good challenge and I knew this one would be easy. Movie scores and I get along.
Read More