"I Play Rocky," the new film about how Sylvester Stallone fought to write and star in "Rocky," opens in select theaters Friday, Nov. 6, and expands nationwide Nov. 20. It is rated PG-13 for strong language, brief sexual material and smoking, and runs about 128 minutes.
Directed by Oscar winner Peter Farrelly ("Green Book"), the Amazon MGM Studios film stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone. The cast includes AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Dillon, Toby Kebbell, Jay Duplass and Stephan James. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
The story follows Stallone as an unknown actor who believed he was meant to play Rocky, not just write him. The original "Rocky" was filmed in Philadelphia over 28 days in 1976 on a budget under $1 million. At the Philadelphia premiere on Nov. 2, Farrelly said, "The story of making this movie is as strong as the Rocky story." Stallone is not officially involved in the production.
The release comes close to the 50th anniversary of the original film, which opened in November 1976.
For viewers who love stories of perseverance and holding on to a calling when doors keep closing, it speaks to themes many people of faith will recognize.
Parents should note the PG-13 rating before choosing who to bring.
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