Book Review: Going the Distance by Mike Sielski

“The remarkable behind-the-scenes story of the making of a timeless and beloved piece of American pop Rocky.”

Blurb for Going the Distance

Review:

I went through a massive Rocky phase several years ago, and while during that time I came across trivia, I never went too deeply into the film’s history outside of circulating interviews. It’s exciting to see books like this popping up for the 50th anniversary.

Going the Distance is a deep dive into the making of Rocky, giving a background on Sylvester Stallone’s life and career leading up to his success, going over fragments of the script and discussing what changed and why. Philadelphia, of course, plays a central role as well, and why Rocky became the cultural icon it is today.

While the book didn’t dissect every single aspect of the film’s success and creation at great length, I learned a lot. I’ll say it mostly focuses on Sylvester Stallone’s journey with it. Well-researched and well-put together, this is a must-read for any Rocky fan. In particular, it’s a great starting place for new fans. I’m sure there will be a new generation of viewers as the 50th anniversary celebrations begin. It’s time for a rewatch, for sure!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of this book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• So nostalgic!
• I loved the script breakdowns.

What I didn’t like:

• Felt like it was missing something, but I’m not sure what exactly.

Afterthoughts:

So excited to see what else the 50th anniversary brings!

Where to buy the book: