We only just got a documentary about Austrian Oak Arnold Schwarzenegger, and now it’s fellow ’80s action icon Sylvester Stallone’s turn. Of course, Arnie got a three-parter, while the Italian Stallion makes do with a one-part feature. I wonder how their fabled rivalry is going?
How to watch Sly in the UK
Sly is streaming in the UK exclusively on Netflix from November 3.
Sly (2023)
What is Sly about?
Why, Sylvester Stallone, if course! And his rise from struggling bit-part actor to global superstar, thanks to a little movie called Rocky.
Or, as the official synopsis would have it, “For nearly 50 years Sylvester Stallone has entertained millions with iconic characters and blockbuster franchises, from Rocky to Rambo to The Expendables. This retrospective documentary offers an intimate look at the Oscar-nominated actor-writer-director-producer, paralleling his inspirational underdog-story with the indelible characters he has brought to life.”
But it’s not exactly a warts ‘n’ all look at the star’s life and career, we’re given to understand. It’s more than a bit hagiographic, with the rougher details of his story and less flattering cinematic failures not getting much airtime. Certainly there’s no mention of his early role in the soft-core porno The Party at Kitty and Stud’s, for example, nor his bust for possession of Human Growth Hormone in Australia.
The cast of Sly
Sylvester Stallone, various other Stallones, and celebrity talking heads such as Quentin Tarantino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Henry Winkler, and Talia Shire.
Sly trailer
What are the critics saying about Sly?
Reviews so far have been generally positive, noting that Stallone remains an eminently watchable figure and his rags-to-riches story is undeniably authentic and inspiring. However, the lack of balance and steadfastly laudatory tone have drawn some barbs. The general consensus is that if you’re a fan of Stallone, you’ll dig this a lot, but expecting any real depth or introspection is a mug’s game.
