Thanks for the review WSH. I've added it to my list!

That is the best review of the original "Rocky" that I have ever read. Much like the original "Rambo", the main character had an Everyman quality and just wanted to live his life on his own terms and in peace. Events outside his control forced him to confront powers that he could not hope to beat, but he stood his ground and, though defeated, maintained his dignity. The follow-up movies in each series had little to do with dignity and more to do with ensuring a Hollywood blockbuster.