Podcast Summary: The Rewatchables – Episode ‘Rocky’ with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Introduction

In this episode of The Rewatchables, hosted by Bill Simmons, the trio—Bill, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey—delve deep into the iconic film Rocky. Released on March 4, 2025, the episode offers an extensive analysis of the movie's enduring legacy, its characters, technical achievements, and its profound impact on both cinema and popular culture.

Rocky: An Influential Prototype for Sports Movies

Bill Simmons begins by asserting the monumental significance of Rocky in the landscape of sports cinema. He states, “Rocky is one of the most important movies of the last 50 years,” highlighting its role as a prototype for modern sports narratives. The hosts discuss how Rocky established the underdog archetype that has influenced countless films since its release.

Character Analysis

• Rocky Balboa: The heart of the discussion centers on Rocky as the quintessential underdog. Sean Fennessey remarks, “Rocky's talent is determination,” emphasizing Rocky's relentless perseverance that resonates with audiences across generations.

• Apollo Creed: Chris Ryan praises Apollo as a revolutionary character, noting, “Apollo is a much better trainer than Mickey is. Apollo is way better.” The character’s depth as a charismatic businessman who manipulates media underscores the movie’s exploration of race and capitalism.

• Adrian Pennino: Talia Shire’s portrayal of Adrian receives commendation for adding emotional depth to the narrative. Sean notes, “She is a fantastic actress, obviously. But when she turns it up to that point, sometimes it gets away from her,” acknowledging the balance between her vulnerability and strength.

• Paulie Pennino: Perhaps the most contentious character, Paulie is dissected for his abrasive personality. Bill Simmons criticizes him, stating, “Paulie is one of the worst human beings in a movie,” while Sean adds, “He is a pimp. He literally pimps his sister out.”

Technical Mastery: Steadicam and Fight Choreography

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the film's technical prowess. The introduction of the Steadicam is highlighted as a transformative element in filmmaking. Bill Simmons shares, “Rocky winds up becoming more or less the guinea pig for the technology that changes cinema,” crediting the Steadicam for its innovative filming techniques that enhanced the movie’s dynamic fight scenes.

Impact on Pop Culture and Sports Cinema

The hosts explore Rocky's cultural ripple effects, from inspiring real-life jogging trends to spawning a multi-billion-dollar franchise. Bill Simmons reflects, “$1.1 million budget made 225 million. Spawned five sequels and three Creed movies. So eight sequels overall.” They discuss how Rocky not only redefined sports movies but also embedded itself into American mythology, comparable to legendary figures like Paul Bunyan.

Stallone’s Career and Rocky’s Creation

Sylvester Stallone’s journey in creating and starring in Rocky is examined in detail. The decision to write and star in the film as a relatively unknown actor is lauded as a bold bet on oneself. Bill Simmons narrates Stallone’s struggle to sell the script, saying, “The only difference though is those got around for a while, but Stallone had been in movies affecting Damon.” This determination led to Rocky becoming a breakthrough success.

Oscars and Critical Reception

Despite its massive popularity, Rocky faced stiff competition during the Oscars. The hosts recount, “This movie won three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Editing,” noting its historic win as the first sports film to achieve such acclaim. However, Stallone was snubbed for acting, losing to Peter Finch and others, which sparks a conversation about the industry's reception of underdog stories.

Rewatchability and Favorite Scenes

The discussion turns to why Rocky remains a rewatchable favorite. Bill Simmons identifies several standout moments, including the "Gonna Fly Now" training montage and the climactic fight scenes. Chris Ryan highlights the emotional resonance of Rocky’s interactions with Adrian and the gym dynamics, while Sean Fennessey points out the film's ability to evoke genuine emotion, noting, “The movie just tells this unbelievable story that everybody wishes was their story.”

Sequels and the Creed Series

The evolution of the Rocky franchise is unpacked, with particular attention to the Creed movies. The hosts appreciate how the sequels expanded the universe while maintaining the original's spirit. Bill Simmons remarks, “Creed is my take on the Rocky series,” praising the continuation of Rocky’s legacy through his protégés.

Conclusion: Rocky’s Enduring Legacy

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on Rocky's lasting impact. Bill Simmons states, “Rocky really made Philadelphia. That's my hot take,” emphasizing the film’s role in shaping the city’s cultural identity. They acknowledge that while Rocky may have its flaws, its inspirational story and technical innovations ensure its place as a timeless classic.

Notable Quotes

• Bill Simmons [02:01]: “Rocky is one of the most important movies of the last 50 years.”
• Sean Fennessey [03:53]: “Rocky's talent is determination.”
• Chris Ryan [05:26]: “Apollo is a much better trainer than Mickey is.”
• Bill Simmons [16:14]: “Apollo Creed single best fictional name. It's up there with Darth Vader.”
• Sean Fennessey [25:53]: “Rocky is doing something super duper relatable.”
• Bill Simmons [48:04]: “This is the definition of a rewatchable because we know that we're looking at Rocky Balboa.”
• Sean Fennessey [94:39]: “Boxing is the only place where it's still completely acceptable to be totally tribal.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Rewatchables offers a comprehensive exploration of Rocky, celebrating its triumphs while critically examining its shortcomings. Through insightful conversation and memorable quotes, Bill, Chris, and Sean provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of why Rocky continues to resonate as a beloved classic in the annals of film history.