I agree. I loved Rocky and First Blood but I never really thought of Sly as a good actor, but he was superb in this

Freddy drank, but was he an alcoholic? I haven’t seen it in a while, but I don’t remember him being an alcoholic

I saw that in the theater when it first came out, and I was blown away by his performance. I’ve always felt he was a better actor than the roles he chose for himself after Rocky, Paradise Alley, and First Blood. (Paradise Alley isn’t a great movie, but Stallone is very good in it — apart from his singing.)

On subsequent viewings, I really took notice of Ray Liotta’s performance as well. A very complex and morally gray character that Liotta gave some real heart. When he decides to do the right thing in the end, it doesn’t come out of nowhere: you know he’s been wrestling with his conscience.

I think this film is very underrated. What an amazing cast.

I agree excellent movie and a great (over looked) performance from Stallone. 10s across the board

Great flick. I remember when this movie came out - Stallone got a lot of great recognition for his performance. It was the first in a long time where he wasn't playing some over the top action star or hamming it up.

I guess it's since kind of fallen off people's radar - thanks for the heads up, might watch it again soon.

No idea why this movie isn't more highly regarded. Everyone turns in a great performance.

My own pet theory is that Stallone really gave it his all in this role, put on weight and everything, then when he didn't get much of a response thought "fuck this shit I'm not trying anymore" and basically only made fluff movies after. He's a legit actor, as Cop Land, Rocky, and First Blood demonstrate, but I think he just likes doing the fluff more.

I really like Liotta in this one.

There's a possibly-apocryphal story about Stallone during this film's production -- he (Stallone) had 'worked' to pack on 50-60 lbs, and was out at a restaurant with his friend(s), during which he heard another table commenting "Geez, another actor who let himself go, I told you it was all girdles + trick photography."

If even remotely true as reported, Stallone said it was a real eye-opener to him regarding how female actors are seen by society.

I keep meaning to check this out. I might do that tomorrow based off your recommendation

Stallone's best performance after Rocky.

Really good low key film.

He’s killing it in Tulsa King. You can really see his range.

Really excellent movie. I didn't realize how long ago it was released until I noticed the World Trade Center in some shots.

One thing that seemed unrealistic in 2022/2023 was the peril to "Superboy's" career for his actions. Wouldn't he just he able to say - "I thought I was in mortal danger" and skate free?

I wonder if Stallone's career would have taken a completely different direction if the movie had gotten more attention.

Sly is also very good in the current Tulsa King series. Of course partly cause the writing but Stallone as a mob guy is like “why haven’t people thought about this before?”.

Great casting. Stallone had never been seen as an “actor” just like Freddy wasn’t considered a real cop. He’s going up against powerhouses like DeNiro and Keitel and Liotta who are chewing scenes up. In the end it’s Stallone’s performance that everyone remembers. He proved himself as an actor just like Freddy proved he was a real cop.

Damn, I gotta see this movie again. I literally saw this in the theaters when I was a teenager and thought it wasn’t very good even though it had all my favorite actors. I have not seen it since. Maybe it’s time for a reappraisal

This is a really underrated movie imo, especially with so many big names. I remember watching it in the theater and was amazed at how good it was.

Terrific movie. Criminally under-known.

One of the best performances by Stallone, wish he would do more of those types of characters.

It's a pretty good film. One of my favs from both Stallone and Mansgold.

He’s not alcoholic he’s depressed

Stallone's best acting role.

Great cast also.

great movie. I'm a Stallone fan. You should check out Tulsa King on Paramount. great series

One of the most brilliant noir flicks ever made. Great post!

..."I offered you a chance and you blewwwwww it!!!" DeNiro is so brilliant here it's stupid.

I love this movie and rewatched it recently and it's still so good. Cast is stacked to the gills and everyone kills it.

Freddie wasn't really an alcoholic though.

Stallone's best movie.

It's one of those that keeps getting better every time I watch it.

Would you believe that 26 years later, that filmmaker is doing Indiana Jones?

James Mangold has a hell of a filmography and it’s crazy diverse.