Despite its transparent attempt to mirror the underdog spirit of its subject, I Play Rocky succeeds as a genuinely engaging and heartfelt biopic. Anthony Ippolito delivers a breakout performance as Sylvester Stallone, capturing the actor’s drive and determination while he fights to get his iconic script made on his own terms.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film hits theaters in a limited release on November 6, expanding nationwide on November 20. While it occasionally suffers from an episodic second act and some uneven supporting character development, it remains a witty, crowd-pleasing watch that hits where it counts.