I Play Rocky Reviews Are All Saying the Same Thing About Sylvester Stallone Movie

Vritti JoharMon, September 14, 2026 at 3:17 AM UTC

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Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

I Play Rocky reviews reveal one standout element that critics simply cannot stop praising after the film’s TIFF debut. Multiple reviewers highlighted a specific performance that elevates Peter Farrelly’s behind-the-scenes Rocky biopic above typical Hollywood origin stories.

I Play Rocky reviews are praising Anthony Ippolito’s Sylvester Stallone story

I Play Rocky reviews highlight Anthony Ippolito’s performance as young Sylvester Stallone in Peter Farrelly’s biopic. The film chronicles Stallone’s fight to write and star in the 1976 classic Rocky. Critics at the Toronto International Film Festival delivered divided reactions to the November 6 release.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman praised Ippolito’s portrayal as transformative beyond mere impersonation. He noted that Ippolito captures Stallone’s distinctive voice with remarkable precision. Gleiberman also described the film as a cleverly crafted crowd-pleaser tapping into enduring Rocky nostalgia.

The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski called the film stirring, inspiring, and surprisingly hilarious. He compared Ippolito’s initial screen presence to Timothee Chalamet’s Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Oleksinski also emphasized that the performance never devolves into caricature or parody.

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ComingSoon’s Jonathan Sim awarded the film a 9/10 score for its entertaining execution. He highlighted Ippolito’s ability to capture Stallone’s physicality without turning it into an impression. Sim also praised Jay Duplass and Stephan James for their supporting roles.

However, several critics found the film formulaic despite Ippolito’s strong work. Vulture’s Alison Willmore acknowledged the movie’s endearing qualities while noting its syrupy tendencies. She observed that Ippolito doesn’t play Stallone much differently than he might play Rocky.

The film currently holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after its festival debut. Some critics like TheWrap’s Chase Hutchinson felt the narrative lacked genuine passion and heart. Others, including Awards Buzz’s Scott Menzel, called it one of the year’s best films.

AnnaSophia Robb co-stars as Stallone’s wife Sasha, with Tracy Letts playing a fictional studio executive. Matt Dillon, Toby Kebbell, and P.J. Byrne round out the supporting cast. Amazon MGM Studios distributes the Peter Gamble-penned screenplay nationwide on November 6.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”