The greatest underdog story of all time... but enough about how Ben, Jack and Purdy created BYOB. This week on the pod we've got a belter for you. The first ever episode of BYOB where we ask a guest to bring their own blockbuster as we welcome play-write, director, journalist and all round lovely irishman Jack Gallagher to the pod. You can find him on Twitter as @CalciolovesJack. And Jack has brought along a classic Sly Stallone's 1976 Oscar winner 'Rocky'.

All three of the guys search around the cobwebbed recesses of their mind to find that lovely nostalgic sweet-spot, being 12 years old watching the Rocky films and going through them all cover to cover. With every training montage, blood spatter and body blow, there's also a hefty amount of chat about pounding large amounts of meat.

When we watched the film back this time though, it made us realise this isn't a 'boxing film' as such. Made on a shoestring budget and written by Sylvester Stallone this is more about one mans search for his own identity.

Given that Sly Stallone was s a jobbing actor desperately looking for his big break and his own million to one shot, the parallels are too obvious to ignore. We see so much beautiful overlap with Sly and Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion, who is handed a golden ticket, a million to one shot, to fight the reigning heavyweight Champion of the World Apollo Creed beautifully played by Carl Weathers.

Up for debate this week: What is the greatest Rocky film of all time? Is Micky or Paulie secretly a baddie? Why is Duke incredibly underrated as a character? Should we all stop talking about pounding big bits of meat?

Fine wine or war crime - well this one is very double sided. It's really important firstly to remember this film is created in 1976 but if you have just watched Rocky back, you will know there is one sequence that it's really important we touch on again. Let us know what you think of this one - would love to hear your thoughts.

Bring Your Own Blockbuster isn’t just a film review podcast, we try our best each week to dive deep into the themes and discussions that make cinema so special - and we’d love to hear your feedback on the film. What did meet it mean to you? What did we miss? Get involved and tell us what you think on social media, you can find us everywhere at @byobpod

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Broadcast on:

20 Aug 2023