Sly: Uncovering the Intriguing Depths of Sylvester Stallone's Netflix Documentary

Article Summary

Sly is a profile of Sylvester Stallone that avoids the trappings of typical celebrity documentaries by focusing on his journey and sacrifices in filmmaking.

The documentary offers authentic glimpses into Stallone's artistic approach and his contemplations on his highly celebrated movies, showcasing his capacity as a contemplative screenwriter and not just an action hero.

Unveiling Stallone's personal life and the obstacles he encountered with his family, the film delves into the depths of his character, endowing it with greater gravity and elucidating the significance of approval and recognition in his life.

Though there will likely always be a debate about whose movies are better between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, when it comes to the Netflix documentaries made about them, there is a clear winner in Sly. The Schwarzenegger documentary, featuring

Image via NetflixSly, proved to be an incomplete profile that mostly felt like it was trying to sell you something. However, this documentary from director Thom Zimny manages to largely avoid falling into the trappings of the celebrity documentary. While it does play it a bit safe and Stallone often drives the direction it all takes, it draws out what he is interested in and cares about as a filmmaker to rather unexpectedly complex results.

Sylvester Stallone, an underdog turned Hollywood legend, unveils his captivating journey in this documentary film as he shares how his love for cinema initially emerged as a way to escape his turbulent childhood. Get ready to be inspired by his remarkable story. This documentary is set to be released on November 3, 2023, directed by Thom Zimny and features Sylvester Stallone as the main star. Produced by Netflix, this enthralling production falls under the genre of documentary.

Sylvester Stallone Breaks Down Everything From 'Rocky' to 'First Blood' in Sly

This is because the documentary revolves around his reflections on his journey to Hollywood stardom and the sacrifices of filmmaking, rather than just celebrating his success. Celebrity documentaries frequently focus on praising their subjects and rehashing their greatest achievements. While this can be entertaining, it can also become tiresome without any significant introspection. We have known these individuals on screen for many years, so we already know who they are and what they have accomplished. The more fascinating documentaries are the ones that delve deeper beyond their fame and the images they have cultivated. Unlike the Schwarzenegger documentary, which seemed like disguised marketing for his new project coinciding with his troubled television debut on the streaming service, Sly feels more authentic and unexpectedly resonant when it matters. Additionally, Stallone himself is remarkably candid about the acclaimed movies he made during his career.

Image via Netflix

Instead of simply recapping his work, the documentary presents itself as Sylvester Stallone taking stock of his own life as it unfolded through his movies. This is paired with his decision to make a bold move, packing up all his accumulated possessions and potentially starting anew. It may seem cliché, but there is a genuine sincerity behind Stallone's actions. As he discusses why the enduringly brilliant First Blood is more than just a tale of gunfire and explosions, or how the iconic Rocky is a gritty melodrama, you can truly believe him. He sincerely contemplates his approach to his craft and his motivations behind each new film he undertook. Above all, it demonstrates that Stallone is an underrated screenwriter who is more than just an action star. It delves into the essence of what drives him, rather than merely focusing on the end results.

While this could have easily veered into excessive admiration, Stallone's fervent voice and the insights provided by esteemed writer Wesley Morris and other sources help to engage us in a more analytical exploration. The film shines brightest when it delves into understanding and dissecting the cultural resonance he achieved, rather than merely emphasizing his brilliance in achieving it. Particularly intriguing is the discussion around why none of Stallone's major characters ever met their demise on screen. There's a curious yet revealing detail about the extent to which he pushed this boundary, which speaks volumes about his underlying priorities. Although the film still falls somewhat short in terms of addressing his failures or acknowledging the disconnect between his later works and his earlier successes (calling out the Rambo sequels here), it manages to cast a wider net of insight.

Thankfully,

Sly Is About Stallone’s Family as Much as It Is His Fame

this doesn’t include bringing us all the way up to the present to discuss the dire action sequel that was Expend4bles, even though it humorously continues Stallone's tendency to conclude his movies in a certain way. This franchise is briefly mentioned, but in a manner that seems like Stallone is poking fun at himself by highlighting how he was inspired by a reunion show of an old band. Simultaneously, he doesn't shy away from acknowledging the physical toll that movies like these can still have on one's body. This documentary is more inclined to delve into the details and largely avoids skirting life's complexities in order to create a polished portrayal.

Image via Netflix

When discussing his past, Stallone opens up the most about his family. The documentary tactfully explores the challenges he faced during his childhood with his father and reveals how this influenced his storytelling approach. There is a moment where Stallone even acknowledges that much of his desire for approval and recognition stemmed from his upbringing. It feels like a fleeting revelation before we transition to the next chapter of his life, but it adds a deeper layer that adds weight to the documentary. Although there is still an urge to learn more about Stallone by the end, Sly manages to be a fitting documentary for its subject, offering unexpected emotional impact and just enough revelations to leave a lasting impression.

Rating: B

Sly is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. starting November 3.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the release of the new documentary "Sly" on Netflix. The documentary promises to provide an in-depth look into the life and career of Sylvester Stallone, one of the most iconic action stars of all time. I am particularly interested in learning more about Stallone's early life and how he overcame the obstacles he faced to become a successful actor. I am also curious to hear about his thoughts on his most famous roles, such as Rocky and Rambo. I believe that this documentary will be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Stallone and his contributions to the film industry.

Overall, I believe that "Sly" is a well-made and informative documentary that provides a unique perspective on the life and career of Sylvester Stallone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this iconic actor.