TIFF 2026 Review: I Play Rocky

Anthony Ippolito Delivers an Incredible Performance as Sylvester Stallone

When the trailer for I Play Rocky first dropped, it immediately caught my attention, especially seeing Anthony Ippolito’s incredible transformation into Sylvester Stallone. With a film centred around the making of one of Hollywood’s most iconic movies, there was definitely a lot to look forward to.

I’ll be honest, I don’t remember too much of the original Rocky, so I went into this film without knowing much about how it was made. But I’ve always loved Sylvester Stallone, and getting to see the story behind the film was such an enjoyable experience. Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky follows a young Sylvester Stallone as he struggles to make it in Hollywood while fighting to bring his vision for Rocky to life. It’s a story about believing in yourself, taking chances, and refusing to give up on something you truly want.

First of all, I have to talk about Anthony Ippolito because his performance was absolutely incredible. He completely transformed himself into Sylvester Stallone, from his mannerisms to the way he spoke and carried himself. There were moments when I genuinely felt like I was watching Stallone himself. There’s one particular scene where you can really feel the raw emotion behind his performance, and it was honestly one of the standout moments of the film for me. Ippolito brought so much vulnerability to the role, and I thought he did an outstanding job. AnnaSophia Robb also delivered a wonderful performance, and I really enjoyed seeing their characters’ relationship develop throughout the story.

But beyond the acting, what I loved most about I Play Rocky was the message behind it.

As someone who loves film and storytelling, I think there’s something incredibly inspiring about watching someone fight for a dream they truly believe in. Whether you’ve ever wanted to become an actor, filmmaker, or simply pursue something that feels bigger than yourself, there’s something relatable about the grit and dedication it takes to keep going when things aren’t working out. And that’s what really resonated with me. The film itself is entertaining and moves along nicely. I wouldn’t necessarily say there were any huge surprises or spectacular moments in the storytelling, but I also don’t think that’s what this film needed to be.

Overall, I really enjoyed I Play Rocky. Anthony Ippolito’s performance alone makes it worth watching, but it’s also a beautiful reminder of why people fall in love with filmmaking in the first place. Sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in their vision, even when the rest of the world doesn’t. And I think that’s a message that goes far beyond Hollywood.

Watch the trailer for I Play Rocky below

Elevation Pictures releases I Play Rocky on Nov 13th, 2026