‘I Play Rocky’ Review: Anthony Ippolito Is an Endearing Pre-Stardom Sylvester Stallone in Peter Farrelly’s Crowd-Pleasing Making-Of Drama

“I Play Rocky,” directed by Peter Farrelly, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has been described as a crowd-pleasing biopic about the making of the iconic 1976 film “Rocky.” The film stars Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone, capturing the essence of Stallone's journey as a struggling actor in Hollywood. Critics have noted that while an uncanny impersonation of Stallone is not necessary, Ippolito's performance is endearing and effectively portrays the pre-stardom actor (Variety, Hollywood Reporter). The narrative focuses on Stallone's relentless determination to bring “Rocky” to the big screen, highlighting the inspiring nature of his story, which parallels the themes of the original film. The film features performances from AnnaSophia Robb, Jay Duplass, and Matt Dillon, contributing to the overall narrative that celebrates the behind-the-scenes story of “Rocky” (Deadline, IndieWire). Critics have praised the film for its clever crafting and its ability to celebrate the modestly budgeted boxing movie that became a significant cultural phenomenon (Variety, Hollywood Reporter). “I Play Rocky” is positioned as a potential contender for TIFF's audience award and may receive major Oscar nominations, including a best actor nod for Ippolito (Hollywood Reporter). The film has garnered positive reviews, with critics noting its crowd-pleasing qualities and its potential to resonate with audiences and critics alike, similar to Farrelly's earlier work, “Green Book” (Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire). Overall, “I Play Rocky” is seen as a significant addition to the biographical drama genre, celebrating a pivotal moment in Hollywood history.