Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly is re-entering the Oscar conversation with his latest, I Play Rocky. Farrelly is taking one of the greatest sports movies and having us follow the ride that it took Sylvester Stallone to get the iconic Rocky movie made. Anthony Ippolito steps into the shoes of one of the most inspiring men and most storied fictional characters of our time. I caught the film at the 2026 Nashville Film Festival.
What is I Play Rocky about?
Sylvester Stallone is a failing actor who is struggling to find his place in the industry. With his back against the wall, he writes the ultimate underdog story but has to fight for his chance to play the character he was born to play. Starring alongside Ippolito are AnnaSophia Robb, Tracy Letts, P.J. Byrne, and Jay Duplass.
I Play Rocky Review
Never do I go into a movie hoping to hate it, but I did feel a certain type of way about walking in to watch I Play Rocky. Rocky turned 50 years old and is one of the greatest movies ever. It felt like it could be a “gimmick” to capitalize on everyone’s love of the film. Instead, Peter Gamble wrote an incredible script that truly brought the heart of the original while making this feel authentic.
There is one scene where it mimics the argument that Rocky and Mickey have in his house. Within the movie, they’ve teased the idea that a film needs that “IT” moment. Stallone is struggling with this scene, and the director tells him it’s not good enough. Between takes, Sasha tells him to dig deep and reminds him of the chase to get here. You recreate a scene with an actor (Anthony Ippolito) playing both Sylvester Stallone and Rocky all in one and truly knock it out of the park.
Ippolito had the tall task of filling the shoes of not only Stallone but also Rocky. I’d almost love to know which one was harder. The walking, talking, mannerisms, and breathing were all infused with this majestic beauty that not only honors Stallone but also the icon that is Rocky. Stallone was robbed of never having won an Oscar for his portrayal of Rocky, and Ippolito might not win, but he damn sure better be nominated.
Speaking of Oscars, let’s go ahead and sharpie in this film for the new Best Casting. Rick Montgomery and company did a remarkable job of finding this cast of characters that resembled them and acted like them. It was jaw-dropping at times, thinking you were actually watching Rocky. Special shoutout to the always incredible P.J. Byrne, who always delivers. Just impressive work that’s deserving of all the praise.
Is I Play Rocky worth watching?
This movie will be MASSIVE. When it hits theaters nationwide on Thanksgiving, people are going to flood theaters. I Play Rocky is a poignant knockout that delivers all the goods. Anthony Ippolito is pure perfection as Stallone, leading to a performance you won’t soon forget. If you were like me and had hesitations around the idea of checking this out on the big screen, throw that to the side and buy that ticket. This will have a big box office and a fruitful award season.
I Play Rocky will debut in select theaters on November 6, 2026, courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. The film will expand nationwide on November 20th.
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I Play Rocky is a poignant knockout that delivers all the goods. Anthony Ippolito is pure perfection as Stallone, leading to a performance you won't soon forget.
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GVN Rating
Family, Faith, Film and Football.
