Inspiration

30 years. 6 movies. That's a movie every 5 years. (I did the math) Few sporting heroes have had as great an impact as Rocky. From taking down the black man (three times), the Soviets, or his own student, Rocky has fought all the world's great enemies. (OK, Just kidding...) But few things are as inspirational as the great Rocky montage that infiltrates all six movies. However, today, I will list the best and most inspirational quote from each of the six Rocky movies. Who better to inspire a nation than the exceptionally articulate Sylvester Stallone? Or Carl Weathers? or MICK?

Rocky (1975)
The Fight: Extreme underdog Rocky is matched up against champ Apollo Creed, played by the wished-he-was-Academy-Award-winner Carl Weathers
The Quote: Adrian asks Rocky why he fights to which Rocky replies: "Because I can't sing or dance"
Sure, it may not be the most memorable quote from the movie, but think about it. Through this simple sentence Rocky imparts a great life lesson. As people, we are lucky to find one thing we are really, truly great at. For some it sports, others it's beer pong. We only can do so much. So when we find out what we are great at, we have to go for it. Life's too short to waste it on some song and dance that is just a facade for what we really are. Rocky's a fighter. Greatness is something so rare, so fleeting, that you have to grab while you can, if your lucky enough to even get a chance. Yes, it says that all in one line. What a genius.

Rocky II (1979)
The Fight: Apollo Creed, after being embarrassed by Rocky, asks for a rematch which Rocky ultimately accepts
The Quote: Rocky has just won. "Yo, Adrian! I did it!"
I really didn't want to pick this quote because of it's cliche'd value. But it's not about the line. It's all Stallone's delivery. Such emotion. Relief, pride, glory. Such a simple line of dialouge while looking at it on paper. But it's like "i love you". Sure you hear it when someone says it, but you can't understand it until you feel it. Imagine the best, most important moment of your life. What would you say? To who? Rocky has just "did it" and the only person he cares who knows is Adrian. THAT'S what makes the line powerful and inspirational.

Rocky III (1982)
The Fight: Clubber Lang, played by poet Mr. T, has beaten Rocky and there's only one way for Rock to get his honor back: beating the shit out of him in the ring.
The Quote: Lang has just told Rocky he is going to "bust him up" (that does not sound like a pleasant result). "Go for it"
Oh, Stallone, how do you write this stuff? Sure, there are more quotable lines from this movie, especially from the poet laureate of Compton, Mr. T. But again, Stallone doesn't need to open his big mouth to create tension, to prove his worth. One line: Go for it. Said defiantly, as if Rocky already knows that Mr. T is as good as dead. What's great about the line is that Clubber Lang spends the entire movie bashing Rocky and talking a ton of shit. Here, Rocky simply says to the audience "let your actions do the talking for you." Don't tell me your going to bust me up, just shut up and try. What subtle language from a screen writing genius.

Rocky IV (1985)
The Fight: Rocky takes a break from keeping the black man down to single handedly fighting communism personified in Ivan Drago, who has KILLED Apollo Creed. Perhaps the most important fight or showdown in any sporting movie ever made. Ever.
The Quote: I can only choose one? Wow. How bout this? "Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life."
Jeez, how much more can you do in a movie? Single handedly defeat communism, honor your fallen comrade, honor your country, yourself, your family, and doing it IN Russia. So what's Rocky saying here? Well, when you think you've got nothing left, you can't handle it anymore, or when life has gotten the best of you, you can still turn it around. Giving a little more when your already on empty, that's what makes the difference. Going the extra mile is what makes you a man, no matter where it gets you. Second choice: "To beat me, he will have to kill me." Just wow. Sometimes I'm just awe-struck.

Rocky V (1990)
The fight: Cocky-protege kid that Rocky is mentoring thinks he's hot shit. Rocky shows him otherwise on the streets, no ring necessary this time.
The quote: Rocky has seemingly lost the fight, only to rise and proclaim: "Yo, Tommy! I didn't hear no bell..."
Are you kidding me? Not to mention how bad this movie is and it still produces one of the most inspirational quotes of all sporting cinema. Think of the irony in this quote! There is no bell in the streets! So what is he saying? Well, again Stallone succeeds where so many others have tried and failed: inserting inspirational life lessons into a single line of dialogue. No bell? WHAT DOES HE MEAN? Well, Rocky ain't giving up, so neither should you. It's not over til it's over. Look at the quote from Rocky IV and tell me this isn't a direct follow-up, as if Rocky is following his OWN inspirational advice from his previous life experiences to summon up the energy and courage to get up again. So, don't give up, always defend your honor, and ALWAYS remember your past for it prepares you for your future. What a man.

Rocky Balboa (VI) (2006)
The fight: Rocky fights the much younger, quicker black champion after an ESPN poll states that Rocky would win if both were in their prime.
The quote: "I gotta go out the way I gotta go out."
Never mind that it was 16 years between movies, the only thing that has changed is that Stallone wrote it on a computer instead of a typewriter. Rocky has just fought until the final round with a much better and younger fighter. His son has just given him his respect. Everyone has. But Rocky knows what he has to do. Again with the subtle meanings behind his seemingly simple quotes, Rocky proclaims in his own way that you cannot do anything half-assed. Finish what you start, no matter how difficult it is. Your in this mess, clean it up. Rocky is going to fight to the last bell because that's what he's always done and that's what he was born to do. Never mind that he is 60 years old. His heart's beating and as long as it is, Rocky isn't going to give up. And neither should you.

Well, the poetry that lies within every Rocky movie is enough to make Walt Whitman look like an amateur. Never has there been a greater source for inspiration than the 6 Rocky movies that sit on your shelf. Writer's block? Feeling lost? Pop in Rocky and tell me that doesn't work. You will shatter my whole world view. After examining the poet that is Sylvester Stallone, you will have to just wait for the next great poet (me) to return to the blog until next time. Follow Rocky's advice and you can never go wrong. Follow mine and you can never BE wrong. Bye Bye