Roger Ebert’s Top Picks: Stallone’s Cinematic Knockouts Revealed!

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Finding a film enthusiast who dislikes Sylvester Stallone is quite rare, but not all of his films have received positive reviews from critics. In fact, more than half of his movies have received below-par ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Some attribute this to the fact that Stallone often takes a very active role in producing his films, which can sometimes lead to less favorable results. While he’s undeniably talented in front of the camera, many feel that his writing and production skills aren’t quite up to par. Perhaps it would be best for him to focus on acting, Sly – though we wouldn’t dare suggest that to his face!

Roger Ebert, despite generally disliking much of Sylvester Stallone’s work, had a secret admiration for the actor and often slipped in praise when delivering negative critiques. When Rocky first premiered, the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic predicted that Stallone could be the next Marlon Brando, and in some ways, he was right. Stallone achieved, if not more, equal fame to the star of The Godfather. However, Stallone opted for a different career path. Rather than focusing on dramatic roles, Stallone found success in action films, a genre that has dominated his career for the most part. While he’s seen positive outcomes when trying something new, it’s best not to suggest him to abandon his preferred genre – action is clearly his passion.

Below is a list of Sylvester Stallone’s films that received three stars or higher from Roger Ebert.

This list includes the movies starring Sylvester Stallone that Roger Ebert rated with 3 stars or more (out of 4).

6
‘F.I.S.T.’ (1978)

Ebert’s score: 3/4 stars

This captivating movie from the 1970s showcases Stallone’s remarkable performance at its peak. The story revolves around personal financial hardships and shifting fortunes. It commences with a distressing exchange at a Cleveland loading dock, one of cinema’s most poignant moments, where a manager presents unfavorable work conditions to a new hire before we dive into the narrative – F.I.S.T.

It’s not surprising that Johnny Kovak (Sylvester Stallone) eventually grows weary of office regulations and incites a rebellion. After being let go, his actions garner widespread support, leading to his recruitment by a fresh labor union called the Federation of Interstate Truckers. As this union expands, Kovak’s influence increases. It’s common knowledge that the mafia are fond of unions; they eventually approach him.

Long-Speech Stallone

Ebert found Stallone’s post-Rocky film, F.I.S.T, to be a well-executed movie that maximized the actor’s skills. Made on an $8 million budget, this action crime drama proved to be a massive hit, earning $20 million at the box office. One reason for its popularity was its focus on a contemporary issue – the power struggles within the Teamsters Union and their former President, Jimmy Hoffa, were widely discussed in the media, making it intriguing to delve into this subject matter.

Among films, none showcase an actor’s talent quite like this ’70s masterpiece, with its intense gazes and powerful soliloquies that are nothing short of mind-blowing. It’s puzzling why Stallone didn’t take on such roles more frequently; he could have had several Oscars by now if he did. Be sure to pay attention to one of the last scenes, where he delivers an emotionally charged outburst before a Senate committee.

5
‘Cliffhanger’ (1993)

Ebert’s score: 3/4 stars

As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me share my take on the character Gabe Walker from the gripping film “Cliffhanger.” In this role, Sylvester Stallone portrays a mountain ranger named Gabe, who’s been wrestling with despair following a tragic rescue mission that claimed the life of a cherished friend. After spending a year away from the rugged peaks, Gabe returns to the mountains upon receiving a distress signal. Unfortunately, little did he know that this call was a clever trap set by criminals who lost millions in stolen cash after their US Treasury plane crashed. Once Gabe becomes aware of the deceit, he puts his wits and survival skills to the test, trying to outsmart these crooks and escape their clutches.

The movie takes a lot of cues from the 1956 action-drama “The Mountain.” At first, it was planned for David Bowie to portray the antagonist; however, time conflicts made that impossible, leading to John Lithgow being cast instead.

One of Stallone’s Few Good ‘90s Films

In Director Renny Harlin’s work, you can see his influence in many aspects, such as Sylvester Stallone’s intentionally intense acting style, the heavy emotional tension, and John Lithgow’s exaggerated portrayal of a ruthless ex-British military intelligence officer with a psychopathic streak. This character exerts a violently psychological grip on the main character. Additionally, the music, composed by Trevor Jones and the National Philharmonic Orchestra, adds to the unsettling atmosphere created by the filmmaker.

Ebert found large parts of the story hard to believe, but he stressed that it didn’t detract from the film’s effectiveness as an entertaining spectacle, particularly when Stallone was clinging by his fingertips over a three-mile drop or being attacked by the bad guys. The villain and action sequences were highly commended by the critic, with the added bonus that enthusiasts of the original can look forward to a sequel.

4
‘First Blood’ (1982)

Ebert’s score: 3/4 stars

In the film titled “First Blood,” we find John J. Rambo, a vagabond and a former soldier from the Vietnam War, casually entering a little town in Washington. Unfortunately, he encounters Sheriff Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy) who harasses him, leading to his arrest and forced shaving. This unwarranted treatment stirs up traumatic memories of his past as a prisoner of war within Rambo, causing him to lash out against the law enforcement officials with intense anger.

The Making of an Action Star

In the first person, I’d express it as follows:

Experiencing a gripping, post-war narrative about Vietnam veterans, this intense action thriller showcases Sylvester Stallone, reminiscent of Steve McQueen, in his fiery, macho portrayal. His muscular physique exudes an undercurrent of tension that simmers throughout the film. Richard Crenna and Brian Dennehy mirror this intensity with equal fervor. Together, they generate a palpable heat that’s impossible to ignore. Director Ted Kotcheff masterfully employs sound and camera angles to create a chilling atmosphere of unease and impending doom in this captivating tale of resilience and vengeance. The story is as gripping as it is thought-provoking, offering a raw look into the lives of these veterans.

For Stallone, taking on a film portraying the largely untouched topic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was quite a daring move, considering the country was still recovering from the scars left by the Vietnam War. However, against all odds, Rambo turned out to be a success both with critics and viewers. Critic Roger Ebert, although disliking the finale, acknowledged it as a “strongly crafted film, featuring a good pace and impressive performances, not just from Stallone, but also from Crenna and Brian Dennehy.

3
‘Antz’ (1998)

Ebert’s score: 3.5/4 stars

In the animated film “Antz“, the character “Z” (portrayed by Woody Allen) is a fretful ant longing for independence within his colony. After accidentally crossing paths with Princess Bala (Sharon Stone) at a tavern, he develops feelings for her. In order to meet her again, he switches places with his warrior companion Weaver (Sylvester Stallone), leading him into a dangerous conflict against termites. As a result, Z is acclaimed as a war hero; however, before he can fully comprehend the situation, he uncovers a scheme by General Mandible (Gene Hackman) to annihilate worker ants.

High Stakes on the Ground

Antz is just as much a tribute to the exceptional skill in animated filmmaking as it is a reflection on personal aspirations and delightful whimsies. With a straightforward yet entertaining concept, the writers and directors craft an emotionally resonant homage to the timeless Disney masterpieces. What makes it even more impressive is that several actors resemble those who provide their voices.

Regarding this, Ebert stated: “It delves into a miniature universe – an ant colony under Central Park – and transforms it into a realm so grandiose and intimidating that likening it to Star Wars is not far-fetched.” Additionally, the critic admired it for being clever and amusing, pointing out that it offers substantial content to captivate people of various age groups.

2
‘Rocky Balboa’ (2006)

Ebert’s score: N/A

Rocky, by reshaping the conventions of sports dramas through its witty, indomitable boxing character and propelling Stallone from a self-assured sidekick to a leading man, catapulted him into A-list stardom. Consequently, it was only natural for him to revisit the role multiple times. In Rocky Balboa, the protagonist is now a retired Philadelphia restaurant owner, grieving the loss of his cherished spouse, Adrian. Predictably, he yearns for his past life, so he contemplates engaging in some minor bouts. However, this changes when an impulsive boxer issues a challenge for a high-profile fight.

The Best of the Sequels

This time around, Stallone took on all tasks, including scriptwriting and operating the camera – quite unexpectedly, the outcome was impressive. His minimalist approach and unique perspective on sparse storytelling moved the plot beyond the emotional overload of past sequels to create an elevated (yet somewhat gloomy) image of a boxer’s battles: a transformative vision of a once-great athlete’s struggles.

Ebert, in an episode of At the Movies, didn’t write a review about it, but he commended Rocky Balboa as a “comeback for Stallone,” and openly acknowledged his appreciation for how the film challenged the belief that older athletes can’t compete at the same level as their younger counterparts.

1
‘Rocky’ (1976)

Ebert’s score: 4/4 stars

As a cinema enthusiast, I find myself drawn into the world of Rocky, where Sylvester Stallone embodies the unassuming Philly boxer, Rocky Balboa. In an unexpected turn of events, I’m chosen to step into the ring against the undisputed heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), when his original opponent gets hurt. My journey then begins under the tutelage of the gruff yet compassionate former boxer, Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith). As I grind through my training, I also find myself developing a bond with Adrian (Talia Shire), the sister of my meat-packing buddy Paulie (Burt Young).

A Cultural Phenomenon

A heartwarming, beautifully portrayed sports tale, “Rocky” created a stir in 1976 and 1977, outshining “All the President’s Men” to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Nowadays, it is often hailed as one of the best boxing movies ever made and is recognized for popularizing the themes of rags-to-riches and the American Dream in sports dramas that came before it.

Roger Ebert had a lot of positive comments about the Stallone film. He described it as a “powerfully engaging movie,” and further explained, “It draws us in emotionally, making us invest ourselves: We discover, perhaps unexpectedly after being distant during numerous films, that this time we are concerned.” Later on, Ebert watched the sequel alongside Mohammed Ali, but he didn’t write a review for it.

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2025-04-13 04:02