Roger Ebert’s Unexpected Praise for Sylvester Stallone: The 6 Films He Actually Liked

Sylvester Stallone’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with some of his films being critically acclaimed while others have garnered less favorable reviews. A man synonymous with action and macho bravado, Stallone has appeared in countless films that have not always pleased critics, especially due to his hands-on approach to writing and producing. While his action roles became legendary, Stallone’s ventures outside the genre were sometimes seen as misguided. Notably, even a critic as influential as Roger Ebert, who often had harsh words for Stallone’s work, managed to find several films in the actor’s extensive catalog that earned his praise. Here are the six movies where Ebert gave Stallone the thumbs up, awarding them three stars or more.

6. F.I.S.T. (1978)

One of Stallone’s most overlooked performances, F.I.S.T. is a gripping drama about labor unions, inspired by the life of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa. Directed by Norman Jewison, Stallone plays Johnny Kovak, a trucker who rises through the ranks of the union before facing corruption and internal strife. Ebert recognized the power of Stallone’s portrayal, calling it a film that “perfectly utilizes its lead actor’s talents.” Ebert particularly praised the depth and emotional weight of Stallone’s performance, which contrasts with the typical action hero persona he would later cement. With a solid script and a compelling character arc, F.I.S.T. is arguably one of the best examples of Stallone’s untapped dramatic abilities.

5. Cliffhanger (1993)

In this thrilling mountain rescue film directed by Renny Harlin, Stallone plays Gabe Walker, a mountain ranger who is thrust back into a rescue mission after a botched operation. The film is a high-octane action adventure with exhilarating stunts and intense moments. Though the plot was somewhat implausible, Ebert appreciated the film’s effectiveness as pure entertainment. He admitted that while the plot was unbelievable, “this is a device to entertain us, and it works, especially during those moments when Stallone is hanging by his fingernails over a three-mile fall.” Ebert also complimented the strong villainous performance by John Lithgow, enhancing the film’s suspense and action.

4. First Blood (1982)

First Blood introduces the iconic character of John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran who is pushed to violence by a small-town sheriff. Stallone’s performance as the disillusioned, PTSD-ridden soldier marked a significant departure from the typical action hero of the time. Ebert praised the film as a “very good movie, well-paced, and well-acted,” noting the excellent performances from both Stallone and supporting actors Richard Crenna and Brian Dennehy. While Ebert disliked the film’s ending, he admitted that First Blood provided a compelling, gritty exploration of the struggles of Vietnam veterans and was a solid entry into Stallone’s action-packed career.

3. Antz (1998)

In this animated film, Stallone voices the character of Weaver, an ant who, along with his fellow colony members, navigates a world filled with dangers and desires for freedom. Ebert found Antz to be much more than a simple children’s movie, noting its complex themes and sophisticated humor. He praised the film for its smart writing and the way it depicted a microcosmic world with the same grandeur as Star Wars. He described Antz as “smart and funny,” with enough material to entertain both children and adults. Though Stallone’s voice work wasn’t the primary focus, Ebert recognized it as a standout in his filmography.

2. Rocky Balboa (2006)

Stallone’s return to the role of Rocky Balboa in Rocky Balboa was a masterclass in understated direction and storytelling. This film finds the now-retired boxer dealing with personal losses and contemplating one final fight. Ebert, though initially skeptical about the sequels, found this particular installment to be a “return to form” for Stallone. He appreciated the minimalist approach to the film, praising it for its emotional resonance and mature take on the rags-to-riches story that had been the foundation of the original Rocky. Ebert lauded the film for presenting a transcendent story of a former champion finding redemption and purpose, despite its pessimistic undertones.

1. Rocky (1976)

No list of Stallone’s critically acclaimed films would be complete without Rocky, the film that catapulted him to fame. Ebert was an early supporter of this underdog story, calling it “an immensely gripping movie.” He praised Stallone’s performance as the small-time boxer with big dreams, saying that the film “involves us emotionally” and made audiences genuinely care about Rocky’s struggles. Rocky went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Ebert’s review cemented the film’s place as one of the greatest sports dramas of all time. The movie not only showcased Stallone’s acting chops but also introduced the world to a character who would go on to become an enduring symbol of hope and perseverance.

Conclusion

While Sylvester Stallone’s career has been a blend of action-packed blockbusters and more nuanced performances, it’s clear that even the most critical of critics, like Roger Ebert, could see the depth of his talent. From the heartfelt drama of F.I.S.T. to the gritty realism of First Blood, Ebert’s praise for Stallone’s work often went beyond the typical action roles, recognizing his ability to convey complex emotions and embody memorable characters. While not every Stallone film has garnered the same level of admiration, these six films stand as a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to make an impact across a wide range of genres.