Rocky (Episode 17) - Trailer Talk, Imposter Syndrome & That Famous Steps Climb

James Rolfe (Angry Video Game Nerd / Cinemassacre) returns to It's a Long Road for a deep dive into Rambo: First Blood Part II! We break down the brutal torture sequence (real leeches, hot knife, electric shocks), the legendary mic crush "Murdoch... I'm coming to get you" moment, Co's shocking death, Stallone's insane physique & practical 80s effects, helicopter chases, Russian villains, and why this sequel unleashes pure one-man-army action. Plus nostalgia talk, Rocky comparisons, Saturday morning cartoons, and James's thoughts on Rambo vs. Rocky legacy.A fun, nerdy chat with one of YouTube's legends – if you're into Stallone, 80s action, or AVGN-style breakdowns, this one's for you!

Join host Ryan Rebalkin and special guest Walter Beneziak (Channel Awesome, FanScription, Nostalgia Critic contributor) for an in-depth breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II! We dive into the intense torture sequence, Stallone's insane physical dedication (real leeches, hot knife effects, and peak 80s flexing), the mic crush "I'm coming to get you" moment, Russian villains, POW camp escapes, and how the film differs from David Morrell's novel. Plus Stallone discoveries, practical 1985 effects, and why this sequel unleashes Rambo like never before.If you're a Stallone fan, Rambo lover, or just into 80s action lore, this episode is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fun headcanon debates!

Ever wondered if Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1988 martial arts masterpiece Bloodsport still holds up? Kyle watches it completely blind for the first time while Ryan relives his teenage obsession with endless VHS rewatches. We break down the insane splits, brutal Kumite fights, Chong Li's villain energy, Ray Jackson's biker charm, that legendary training montage, and the shocking "true story" claim at the end (spoiler: it's wild).From nostalgic highs to 2026 reality checks, we talk cult status, 80s cheese, questionable plot logic, Hong Kong filming locations, and why this low-budget gem made $65M on $2M. Plus first-time wife reactions, splits drinking game potential, and way too much love for the sweeper guy.If you grew up on Van Damme or just love tournament-style action flicks, this one's for you!

Join the Stallone Podcast Network crossover as hosts from Rocky Minute (Doug), Sly Cast (Craig), and Going the Distance / One More Round (Ryan) dive into the cult classic Death Race 2000 (1975)!In a dystopian 2000 where the Transcontinental Road Race scores points for running over pedestrians (toddlers = 70, elders = 100!), we break down Roger Corman's satirical grindhouse gem: Stallone's scene-stealing villain Machine Gun Joe Viterbo (pre-Rocky star power!), David Carradine's masked Frankenstein, Nazi drivers, fake tunnels, landmine kills, and the hilarious tone clash (comedy vs. grit tug-of-war between director Paul Bartel and Corman).We react to key moments (grenade hand reveal, pit stop absurdity, rebel sabotage, and that ending twist), discuss Stallone's charisma as a bad guy, why it's endlessly rewatchable, and how it predicted drone tech and reality TV violence. Plus, laughs over YouTube complainers wanting free streams, point system debates, and why this low-budget B-movie is pure fun.

Join the Stallone Podcast Network crossover special as hosts from Rocky Minute, Sly Cast, and Going the Distance / One More Round unite to dissect Sylvester Stallone's 2000 remake Get Carter!We dive into why this revenge thriller (with Michael Caine reprising his iconic role, Mickey Rourke's shady Cyrus, Alan Cumming's golf metaphors, and that infamous goatee) promised so much but delivered frustration: mismatched tone, dated early-2000s editing, low body count, weird soundtrack, and wasted potential for a dark Stallone anti-hero rampage.Hear our first-watch memories (theater excitement vs. 20-year revisit disappointment), the Michael Caine cameo that grew into the big twist, Rourke's "still pretty" scene, the elevator fight nod to Rocky, body-shaming lines, and why it earned Razzies nominations. Plus, laughs over the "cat piss in the snow" callback, Franchise Pictures drama, and Stallone's post-Cop Land career dip.Was it ahead of its time, or just a mess? Who's the MVP: Sly, Caine, or Rourke?

Dive deeper into Rocky II (1979) on One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast Season 2! We break down the heartfelt post-hospital moments: Rocky's fresh air freedom, quirky commercial pitches, the snowy zoo proposal (with that Bengal tiger cameo), the intimate Catholic wedding ceremony, and the sweet newlywed vibes. Hear our thoughts on why the zoo choice is iconic (or hilariously ironic), Adrian's beautiful dress, Father Carmine's Italian vows, Paulie's "proper busting" jokes, and Rocky's innocent take on marriage (no hair in the sink!).Plus, fresh reactions to the first three episodes of Tulsa King—Sly's high limo scene, world-building with Bodhi and Tyson, edgy old-school charm, and why this feels tailor-made for Stallone. We chat Patreon perks (raw uncut Discord uploads, Tulsa King watch-alongs for $1/month), bear-proof garbage latches, and why Kyle's sitting this one out (Mr. Mom duties!).

Dive into the heart-pounding start of Season 2 of One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast! We’re back and more excited than ever to relive the Rocky saga, beginning with the underrated powerhouse that is Rocky II (1979).Expect heated debates on the hospital rematch chaos, Apollo's epic trolling, Rocky's "lucky" shots, brain damage concerns, and why this sequel might just be the most underappreciated in the franchise. We kick things off with fresh Sly Stallone updates—including reactions to the first episodes of Tulsa King (Sly looks sharp in that suit!), rumors about Rambo/Rocky prequels, Creed 4 possibilities, and Jonathan Majors' intense prep for Creed 3.Plus, we launch our Bum Count predictions for Rocky II, drop tough trivia questions (Mickey's training minutes, robe colors, and more), and share laughs over continuity quirks, Paulie's peak form, and why the domestic drama hits harder now.Whether you're a die-hard fan revisiting the Italian Stallion's journey or new to the series, this episode teases the grit, heart, and surprises ahead in Rocky II. Who's winning the bum count this time? 

The Season 1 finale of One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast is here! We break down the legendary Rocky vs. Apollo Creed fight—from the shocking first-round knockdown, brutal body shots, rope-a-dope moments, and rib-cracking drama to Rocky's true goal: going the distance. We discuss inspirations from the real Ali-Wepner fight, Mickey's "stay down," Apollo's panic, the "no rematch" line, and that emotional Adrian reunion. Plus, fan emails on cinematography, editing tricks (doubled punches!), bum counts finale, and why this ending feels perfect—no sequels needed (but thank goodness they happened). If you're a Rocky fan, this emotional close-out hits hard.

Dive into the heart of Rocky with hosts Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast! We react to the Creed 3 trailer (predictable but Jonathan Majors steals it?), discuss why Sly's absence might mean a time jump (or worse?), and break down the legendary training montage—from sunrise jogs and meat punching to one-arm push-ups and the iconic Philadelphia steps run. Plus, the emotional peak: Rocky's vulnerable "I can't beat him" confession to Adrian, where he redefines success as simply going the distance. This isn't just about winning—it's about proving you're more than "just another bum from the neighborhood." We cover fun trivia (reverse-filmed steps dance, wrong shorts on the banner!), behind-the-scenes stories, and why this scene makes Rocky timeless. If you're a Rocky fan, this episode hits hard with analysis, laughs, and inspiration.

Join hosts Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on The Rocky Series Podcast as they unpack one of the most intense family moments in Rocky history. Things get heated when Paulie comes home drunk on Thanksgiving, leading to raw confrontations, shocking lines, and Adrian finally standing her ground. We dive into Paulie's darker side, his obsession with "purity," that unforgettable "You're busted!" moment, and why this scene shows Rocky is way more than just boxing.We also cover Stallone's real-life reconciliation news (right after we recorded divorce talk—talk about timing!), real leeches in Rambo (confirmed by a Sly friend!), bum counts, and the final trivia showdown for Rocky 1—who wins the scorecard?Expect laughs, deep analysis of family dynamics, acting breakdowns (Talia Shire and Burt Young shine), and holiday vibes clashing with chaos. If you're a Rocky fan, you won't want to miss this emotional rollercoaster.