He’s not just the face of “Rocky” and “Rambo”—he’s the pen and camera behind them, too.
And what an origin story!
With just $106 to his name, Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky in three days, only to be offered $265,000 if he agreed not to play the lead.
I was surprised to learn that Stallone wrote and directed the Rocky and Rambo series too.
And he wrote 15 screenplays before “Rocky”.
Thx to my sister Diane Lasalle for moving this up in the queue (fyi — she prefers “Sly” over “Arnold”, Netflix’s other biographical doc about an action hero. She says:
“I thought Arnold’s was too long, whereas Sly’s was just the right length. Also Sly was more vulnerable and I learned a lot I didn’t know. Arnold’s story is well known so it didn’t hold my interest. I don’t think I watched it all the way through though.”
I totally get that — I give “Arnold” the slight edge just cuz his story centers on success over 3 careers. But Diane’s right, I was more surprised by “Sly”.
I love differing opinions!
Trailer for “Sly”
Watch “Sly”
You can watch “Sly” on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/81450717. It’s a Netflix original so that should be the only place to watch it.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 94/100
- IMDB Rating: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 87/100 (Users); 81/100 (Critics)
Release Date: November 3, 2023
My Review of “Sly”
Sylvester Stallone’s life story reads like one of his own movies.
“Sly” takes us behind the scenes, revealing the man behind Rocky, Rambo, and countless action films.
Directed by Thom Zimny—known for his Bruce Springsteen docs like “Wings for Wheels,” “Springsteen on Broadway,” and “Letter to You”—this 95-minute Netflix film blends raw interviews and archival footage, giving us Stallone’s real-life tale of grit and fame.
You can’t make this sh*t up:
When Stallone wrote Rocky, he had only $106 in his bank account and was so broke he had to sell his dog. He later bought the dog back after the film’s success.
A Writer First
Long before his big break, Stallone was a prolific writer, crafting 15 screenplays while chasing Hollywood stardom.
Henry Winkler (Fonzie from Happy Days) recalls that Stallone blacked out the windows of his tiny apartment so he could focus on writing.
When he finally wrote Rocky, studio execs offered $265,000 to buy the script—on the condition that he not star in it.
But Stallone held his ground, refusing to sell unless he could play Rocky himself.
From Underdog to Icon
The documentary digs deep into Stallone’s early life, marked by obstacles that would have stopped most people.
His speech impediment, caused by nerve damage at birth, made his voice his trademark. A turbulent relationship with his father left him with a fierce drive.
And his early days in Hollywood even led to a stint in softcore porn just to make ends meet.
His Hollywood ascent was marked by highlights, setbacks, and a friendship-rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Stallone also recounts his infamous flops, like “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” with surprising candor.
The Artist Beneath the Muscle
“Sly” shows us a side of Stallone few know—his dedication to writing, his love of painting, and his habit of rewriting scripts on set.
He reflects on the struggles of fame, his artistic side, and the deep pain of losing his son Sage. Quentin Tarantino pops in to share insights on Rocky‘s influence on cinema, adding some cinephile perspective.
Wrap Up “Sly” is as much a crowd-pleaser as Stallone himself.
Zimny may gloss over a few personal controversies, but he delivers a vivid portrait of an icon who’s defined the American Dream.
Whether you’re a fan or simply curious, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for Stallone’s tenacity, creativity, and iron will. This doc’s a true contender.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc