This is an enthralling documentary on the life and career of Sylvester Stallone. He is so open in this doc, with compelling stories and such intelligent thoughts about moviemaking, the industry and his filmography. We go through so many of the movies that he’s written, directed and starred in over the years and the thought process behind it all — and how it mirrors what was going on his real life *and* how he put so much of his real life into these movies.
Stallone also tells some shocking, unbelievable stories about the abuse he suffered from his father — not just as a child and not just as a young adult, but right to the very end of his father’s life. You understand Stallone more as an entertainer and a human being… a creator and a decision-maker.
“Rocky” is one of my favorite movies. He’s given great performances over the years, including in the first “Creed”. He believes in the power of opportunity and the power of sequels. Stallone says he’s most proud of 2006’s very good “Rocky Balboa” in terms of his film career. There are nice appearances in “SLY” by Talia Shire, Quentin Tarantino and Henry Winkler.
And the moments of Stallone with the tape recorder, listening to some of his interviews from 40 years ago, are fantastic. He’s commenting by saying, “You should’ve said that ‘Rocky’ is a love story!” That’s what it is at its core. He didn’t know that when he was younger. Now he does, and he explains why.
Stallone knows his audience, loves happy endings, and has persevered, physically and mentally, through the industry. Director Thom Zimny’s “SLY” is one of the best documentaries of the year, and I’m so glad it’s nominated for a 2023 Critics Choice Documentary Award.
LCJ GRADE: A-
Running Time: 95 min.