Nonureva Really Surprised!

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

Antonius Block This was Paul Newman's second film, and because his first was so poor, it was the one that launched his career. He got the role of Rocky Graziano after James Dean, who was originally cast, tragically died. Graziano is shown for a good portion of the film as an out of control young man, stealing things, running rackets, and defying authority - even that of the US Army. Newman plays the part reasonably well, and though he was a little over-the-top at times, his presence and charisma more than make up for it. While the story is somewhat predictable, since we know Graziano will someday be a world champion boxer, it's well told by director Robert Wise, and not shy about showing us his shortcomings (with the real Graziano's full approval). His relationship with his father (Harold J. Stone), who had his own boxing dreams frustrated, is very touching. The real hero of the story is his wife (Pier Angeli), who always looks out for Graziano the man, as opposed to Graziano the boxer. Angeli plays the part well, playing her supportive scenes without being cloying, getting tough when she needs to be, and having a couple of very cute scenes with their daughter (Angela Cartwright) besides. "Baby, your father is the champ," exclaims mom. "I have to go to the bathroom," the little one replies. It's in human moments like these that make the film, and the action in the final boxing match is pretty good as well.

LeonLouisRicci Much of the Success that can be Found in this Biopic of Hoodlum Turned Middleweight Champ Rocky Graziano, must go to Director Robert Wise. His Decision to Film only the Night Scenes at the Studio and the Daytime Scenes on Location, add a Noirish Look and Enhances the Films Success.Paul Newman is OK Playing the Larger than Life Boxer and Manages to keep just a Heartbeat from Caricature. The Outstanding Supporting Cast is Highlighted by Pierre Angeli and Everett Sloane with Good Work from everyone else, contribute to the overall Verismillitude, Dramatized Sure, but Not too Much.The Fight Scenes are Great and Work just Fine and the Editing throughout the Picture is Excellent Moving things along at a Stunning Pace. Everything Comes Together to make this a Fine Fight Film.Made Paul Newman a Star. It Set the Box-Office Champ on a Career and He Never Looked Back. The whole Production Team seems to be On the Same Card and They Made this an Above Average Boxing Movie and a Very Good Movie Overall.

SnoopyStyle Rocky Graziano (Paul Newman) has to fights his drunken violent father as a kid and grows up to be a petty criminal. He is sent to prison where he violently resists. When he is finally released, he is immediately drafted by the Army for WWII. He goes AWOL and starts boxing. He is sentenced to Leavenworth where he continues to box. On the outside world, he continues to box, stays clean, gets married and has a family. He loses a title fight with Tony Zale. Then he gets into trouble with his past coming to haunt him.Originally set to be played by James Dean before his death, newcomer Paul Newman shows good promise. The movie is standard biopic. The acting is solid. However for a boxing movie, the boxing action is still not the best. It's old fashion intercut with other things in a montage. The most memorable hits come from the father hitting little Rocky early in the movie. This is much better as a character study and Newman shows his charms.

birck I rented this film knowing that it was made in the mid-50's, so I didn't expect it to be as good as it turned out to be. The acting is good, Newman is terrific, he never stops moving, and the movie itself never slows down. For a biopic, it presents its hero as flawed from the outset; the script is good, the dialogue is fresh, and the boxing scenes are, for a 1950's film, pre-Raging Bull, pre-Rocky, surprisingly convincing. Rocky Graziano wasn't a particularly refined technician in the ring; he was a grim, determined street fighter. He had no style, and that's how Paul Newman plays him. The big match at the climax of the film is presented in enough detail to show one boxer just beginning to tire as the other gets his second wind. Paul Newman is great as the main character, but the other actors, the writing and direction and the production itself rise to the level of his performance.