I Play Rocky ★★★

Released: 6 November 2026

Director: Peter Farrelly

Starring: Anthony Ippolito, Annasophia Robb, Jay Duplass, Toby Kebbell

Directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Anthony Ippolito (The Offer) as Stallone himself, I Play Rocky tells the story of his determination to get his Rocky script made into a feature film starring himself, despite the obstacles standing in his way. While it tells a familiar tale of perseverance and following your dreams, it benefits from an entertaining script, strong performances and a clear love for the film that would go on to become a cinematic classic. While it doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, I Play Rocky makes good use of an existing formula to deliver a charming crowd-pleaser.

The film’s biggest strength is its cast, particularly Ippolito, who effortlessly channels Stallone in a performance that feels like much more than a simple impersonation. From his mannerisms to the way he speaks, Ippolito captures the actor’s distinctive presence without losing sight of the person behind the familiar image. It’s an impressive turn that makes Stallone’s determination and ambition easy to root for, carrying the film with a great deal of charisma. AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is also a welcome addition as Stallone’s wife, bringing warmth to the story, while Toby Kebbell (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) delivers another solid performance. Jay Duplass (Other Mommy) is equally enjoyable as Rocky director John Avildsen, rounding out a cast that brings plenty of personality to this behind-the-scenes story. Ippolito is undoubtedly the standout, though, and his ability to embody Stallone is one of the film’s greatest assets.

It’s when I Play Rocky recreates the making of the original film that it really comes into its own. These sequences are an absolute delight, capturing the spirit of Rocky with a level of affection and accuracy that makes it clear just how much love has gone into bringing these moments back to life. Watching the familiar scenes take shape is a real treat, with the film finding much of its magic in the details and the sheer joy of seeing cinematic history recreated on screen. The dialogue is also consistently hilarious, giving the film plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that are likely to go down particularly well with an enthusiastic audience. Beneath the humour, there’s also an emotional story about Stallone’s determination to bring his film to life, with his journey providing a satisfying reminder of what can happen when someone refuses to give up on their ambitions. These are universal themes that give the story its heart, making it an enjoyable watch even for those who aren’t particularly familiar with the circumstances behind Rocky.

However, I Play Rocky doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from other films about overcoming the odds. Its story follows a fairly predictable path, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, the film plays things so safely that it rarely feels surprising. The first act is a little slow to get going, taking its time to establish Stallone’s journey before things become genuinely engaging once the creation of Rocky gets underway. Given that we already know the film was made and became a huge success, some of the earlier material could have been tightened to get to the more entertaining parts sooner. There’s also the question of how much the film has to offer those who already know the story, particularly Rocky fans who are likely to make up a large part of its audience. While the recreation scenes are a joy, the film doesn’t necessarily reveal anything particularly new or offer a fresh perspective on its subject. It remains fun and entertaining throughout, but its reliance on a familiar story means it doesn’t always make the most of its potential.

I Play Rocky is a charming crowd-pleaser that succeeds more through its execution than its originality. Ippolito’s terrific performance and the lovingly recreated scenes from Rocky provide plenty to enjoy, while the humour and emotional core make Stallone’s determination an easy story to get behind. However, a slow opening and predictable approach prevent it from reaching the heights it might have achieved with a little more ambition. Much of its appeal comes from nostalgia and the opportunity to revisit the making of a beloved classic, meaning those familiar with the story may find less here than newcomers. Still, there’s something undeniably pleasurable about watching such an iconic film come to life, and I Play Rocky makes for a fun, feel-good celebration of filmmaking, even if it doesn’t quite go the distance.