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Round One With Sylvester Stallone Q&A!!
Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.
I just got off the phone with Harry, who tells me that there have been over 40,000 questions sent in so far from pretty much every corner of the globe. For every one question we’ve gotten from an American reader, we’ve gotten six from people overseas, which definitely speaks to Stallone’s enduring stardom around the world.
Harry’s going to be continuing this every day between now and the 20th, and there’s still plenty of time to get your question in. You need to make sure to send it to the right e-mail address with the subject line "I Have A Sly Question For Stallone", and Harry’s reading all of them, cherry-picking the very best ones. There are some uber-geeky questions in here, questions about filmmaking, and I know Harry’s even planning to throw Sly some really tough ones as this continues. The point is... anything’s fair game, and we want you to participate.
As we kick it off today, we wanted to give the first question to perhaps the single most impassioned Stallone fan anywhere... the one and only AB King:
Question: Are you gonna use the bow and arrows to blow things up in Rambo IV; will you be more bulked up in Rambo IV than in Rocky Balboa; will you make Rambo V if IN THE SERPANT'S EYE is a huge hit?
A.B. KING
SLY: The answer to the first part of the question, whether I’m going to use bow and arrows to blow things up in RAMBO IV is no, because in all the years that have passed, Rambo lived in the remote part of a jungle in Thailand and would not have access to fresh explosives nor does he want part of that life style anymore, but he will use a bow. Yes, I’ll be more bulked up than in Rocky, because Rambo is living a very secluded life and this life includes a great deal of hard labor in the jungles, which has kept him in excellent condition. It won't be bodybuilder-ish, but more like the body of a lumberjack or someone that is prone to heavy lifting and bullish labor. If RAMBO IV, which has been re-titled PEARL OF THE COBRA, works, I'm not sure if RAMBO would proceed, that all depends on the fans’ reactions.
Your fans have been debating the merits of each ROCKY film for years. Would you mind going through all SIX films and reflect about how you feel they rank alongside each other? In other words, if you honestly had to RANK them...how would you compare the films? I assume the first film gets the # 1 ranking...
THANK YOU!
Jeff Dyer
Dubuque, IA
The ROCKY films have been part of an incredible journey that has taken me to some great heights and depths, but overall I feel incredibly grateful to be associated with such a noble character. As for ranking them in order of personal preference, that is going to be difficult. I know everyone assumes the original ROCKY would be my favorite, but I have to say that the last ROCKY, ROCKY BALBOA was the most emotional and fulfilling journey of all the Rocky films. Maybe it's because I learned to appreciate what is really valuable in life, which is the love of others and what is the most terrifying, which is the prospect of a life filled with loneliness. So I rank ROCKY BALBOA my favorite, then ROCKY, then ROCKY II, ROCKY III, ROCKY IV, and ROCKY V rounds out the series.
I Look forward to watching the new film, but from the trailer, Rocky looks fitter than ever.. my question is; (if this is not revealed in the film itself), how he has seemingly recovered from the brain damage, which seemed to be quite debilitating and serious in “Rocky V”?
Torben Rølmer Bille
Aalborg, Denmark
When Rocky was diagnosed with brain damage, it must be noted that many athletes have a form of brain damage including football players, soccer players, and other individuals in contact sports such as rugby, etc. Rocky never went for a second opinion and yielded to his wife's wishes to stop. So with the advent of new research techniques into brain damage, Rocky’s was found to be normal among fighters and he was suffering the results of a severe concussion. By today's standards Rocky Balboa would be given a clean bill of health for fighters. In the film, Rocky is told that he has to train differently because he has lost a great deal of flexibility and mobility so hence the heavy weight training and power lifting that built Rocky into the shape that makes him a worthy opponent.
P.S. he's still not in the same shape as he was in ROCKY IV, he's just stronger. Thank you.
What ideas do you have for POE regarding cinematography, textures, shots ? Do you keep a log/notebook for these ideas as they come?
Thank you.
Peace & Blessings,
Jazz
Fall River, MA
USA
For POE I'd like to focus on a muted color texture for the present day scenes and when we delve into the recesses of his mind, which I will do quite often to see the creations of his extraordinary stories as they unfold in his sub-conscience, they will be portrayed in muted colors and with vivid contrast. The whole point is to show Poe as a normal struggling artist who had highs and lows like all of us and not portrayed as he usually is as a somber, morbid, introverted alcoholic with flashes of brilliance.
Your mother, Jackie Stallone, has led a very colorful life. It's been written on the internet that she was a trapeze artist in her youth and that she invented "rumpology" (which is similar to palm reading except it involves examining rear ends instead of hands).
Do you have a close relationship with your mother? Would you allow her to read your butt?
Adam Boyle
Sarnia, Ontario
My mother has led a very colorful life. Besides being a one time trapeze artist in her youth, she is the first woman I could recall that had a televised body building show in Washington DC in the 50's I believe. She is a world-class astrologist, palmist, and did invent "Rumpology." Yes we do have a close relationship and no I did not allow her to read my butt because the story may have a down ending.
We used to have a few huge action stars like yourself, Arnold, and Van Damme. Audiences didn't expect much from the films but simply to have a good time. Why do you think that whole genre seems to have disappeared?
T. J. Brumfield
The action genre has definitely dried up and has become a relic of the past. But I do believe action will re-emerge in a new intelligent fashion that is being led by perhaps Daniel Craig in James Bond. So fear not, everything returns, it's just packaged in a different box.
One of my favorite Stallone films after all these years is "Nighthawks". I always say a great action film needs a strong hero and strong villian. I feel that film gave you a whole new dimension as an actor. Rutger Hauer goes in the villian Hall Of Fame for his role in this film. What memories do you still have from "Nighthawks"?
Tim Salsgiver
Crestline, Ohio
NIGHTHAWKS was a very difficult film to make namely because no one believed that urban terrorism would ever happen in New York thus felt the story was far fetched.
NIGHTHAWKS was even a better film before the studio lost faith in it and cut it to pieces. What was in the missing scenes was extraordinary acting by Rutger Hauer, Lindsey Wagner, and the finale was a blood fest that rivaled the finale of "Taxi Driver." But it was a blood fest with a purpose.
The stunts in the film were pretty extraordinary because they were invented along the way. Running through the tunnels of an un-built subway station was very dangerous, but exciting and we were only given one hour to do it. So that made for an interesting evening.
Hanging from the cable car was probably one of the more dangerous stunts I was asked to perform because it was untested and I was asked to hold a folding Gerber knife in my left hand so if the cable were to snap, and I survived the 230 foot fall into the East River with its ice cold 8 mile an hour current, I could cut myself free from the harness because the cable when stretched out weighed more than 300 lbs. I tell you this because it's so stupid to believe that I would survive hitting the water so to go beyond that is absurd. So I actually thought the smart move would be to commit hari-kari on the way down and let the cards fold as they may.
P.S. Several years later this cable did snap while testing it on a 100lb bag of sand.
In the first Rocky the entire first and second rounds are shown. A montage lasting about three minutes links all the rounds through the fourteenth. We then see the entire fifteenth round. I know you have said in the past that you and Carl went through the entire fight going from the first round all the way through the end of the fight. Considering the slim budget and time schedule, that is very hard to believe.
Did you do something called a "Montage Round" or something where pieces were just taken out of it, knowing there was going to be a montage?
The fight in the first Rocky flows like poetry perfectly moving with Bill Conti's amazing music. I am hoping the fight in "Rocky Balboa" feels the same. Can you clear this up once and for all? What was it like when you first heard Bill Conti's score for Rocky?
Mark
You're right. The idea that every round was worked out punch for punch has been exaggerated. All the punches in the first, second and fifteenth round were worked out, but to have done that for the entire fight would have been so time consuming that it never would have made it to the final cut, so what I tried to do was take sections of 10 - 15 punch combinations or a staggering blow and put it together to tell a story while Bill Conti's great music drove home the emotional elements. The final fight in ROCKY BALBOA was by far the most realistic and painful and again Bill's music is an essential element in the film. The first time I heard Bill's music, I thought it was absolute genius and still do and give him credit for making ROCKY the success it is.
Last year, I wrote my high school US History thesis paper on the relationship that Ronald Reagan's presidency had to the prolific films of the action genre in the 1980's, as well as the surrounding politics during the time. I actually spent one of the parts focusing on your output in 1985, when you did Rambo: First Blood Part II and Rocky IV. At the time both were released, the Cold War was still a prevalent issue between American and Soviet politics. Do you think that the sizeable box-office receipts for these movies proved that not only was America unafraid of the Soviet Union by 1985, but it had a sort of pop-culture effect on the collapse of both the Soviet Union and the Cold War?
Michael Flynn, Oceanport, NJ
It was just a coincidence that both these films came out at a time when Russia and America were reaching a cross roads in their relationships. What made the film work is that it really wasn't the soldier or the fighters that were the enemies, but the unseen government leaders and yes the climate at that time was very responsible for the successful box office receipts of these movies, but by no means do I think the simplistic approach of both these films had an effect on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Cold War, but thanks for making me feel important.
Dear Sly,
Your friendship with Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger is legendary. There have been many hilarious tales told over the years of the camaraderie you share while playing practical jokes on each other etc. Considering the extraordinary success of your careers, a large portion of the public assumed that you all had closed the door and moved on from the film series that solidified you as the Box Office Gold Action Hero Trio. So recently, when it was announced that not only have you been making Rocky VI, but Bruce Willis is also making Die Hard 4, a theory has developed. Did you and Bruce lose a bet with Arnold that stated if he won the election to be Governor of California that you two would have to revive your movie series?
With much respect,
Bride of Caller from LA
No that is hearsay, but Bruce has a strong relationship with his character in DIE HARD and this is basically what he is known for likewise myself so we consider it a privilege and stroke of good fortune to be able to revisit these characters every few years. Our only danger is providing a sub-par performance that will damage the memory of these characters and disappoint the loyal followers. The hard part is coming up with something fresh and emotional and not just visual and dull. Not so easy to do.
Best,
Sly
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seems like a guy with a pretty good perspective on himself and his films.
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...now I just have to think of a question. The geometric growth-rate of Rocky's son between 4 and 5 has always REALLY bothered me. (As has the actress change in Back To The Future 2. I know both were necessary, but couldn't Rocky have at least been set three years later or something?!)
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Is it true that you are considering Sean Connery for Gandalf? And will the elves have pointy ears or not? Oh, wait...I'm sorry, please send these questions back in time eight years or so and post them in the Peter Jackson Q & A. Thanks.
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Sly is not taking this seriously. Boring, stale, packaged answers. C'mon Sly. Give us the real dish, brother!
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I think the role Stallone played in that film was absolutely perfect. He didn't say much but then again, he didn't have to because his character, Robert Wrath was more about his actions than his words. Also the supporting cast, Anotonio Banderas and Julliane Moore was superb. I think it was one of the smarter action films to come around when a lot of the dumbed down action films started to come into play. Plus it was written by the Wachowskis for those who didn't know. A highly recommended film
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I think it's great that Harry and Sly are giving us fanboys this kind of interaction. I grew up with these films but I never got the chance to see a Rocky film on the big screen. So me and my little bro will be there on opening day to see Rocky back in action. Thanks for bringing back on of the greatest film characters of all time!!!!
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I will be there for Rocky Balboa opening day. This is guaranteed to be the greatest comeback movie of our time.
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I'm glad Stallone is answering questions. But out of 40,000 questions, how does one about whether or not he's let his mama read his rump get picked? Harry, stick to quality questions while we have this opportunity!!!
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Awesome read. Sly is the man. AICN coming through. I'm loving it and I can't wait to keep reading this exchange b/t Sly and fans. This is only getting me more souped for Rocky Balboa. It's on. Time to train. Let's go! lol
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Hey, Sly if you out there thanks for all the great films and characters. Espically Rocky. I for one can't wait to see Rocky 6. I sound goofy, but it's going to be like seeing an old friend you lost touch with. Everyone I know wants to see this film. My box office prediction is about $150 million.
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So Marion Cobretti WILL be back! Rejoice! But bring Brian Thompson back - he could always return from the steelworks' furnace as a cyborg, eh?
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How much business (domestic) do you think Rocky is going to do. I honestly think Rocky Balboa is going to shock some people and make in the area of $150 million dollars.
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one of the most ontense things Ive ever seen. Saw it in the cinema. When the girl us hanging by one and and sreaming dont let go; it was well intense. I was squirming in my seat. Cool movie. Nice guy. All the best to Rocky
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yeah Sly seemed kind of "serious" but I thought it was an enjoyable interview, can't wait to see the rest
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Its late in UK and Im toasted!
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I also saw Cliffhanger in the theater and was, literally, on the edge of my seat during that opening sequence. Also, kinda funny you apologized for your bad spelling, hehe I'm sure Sly was offended, JK. Can't wait for the next 19 installments of "SLY GETS QnAd on AICN."
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Between 45-55 million (domestic). I'll revisit this talkback in 2 months and see if I'm right. If I am , then I get to give myself a prize.
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feelin good...
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Is WAY off. The BO will easily double, or hopefully triple that amount. Maybe $45-55 million in the opening weekend... but that might be a bit TOO optimistic. Who knows...
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Great read... Lookin forward to Rocky... I wonder when that poe movie is going into production... I remember reading about it a few months back...
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Not unless you count the "3 seashells" one, which will most likely make the cut since so many people are gonna ask that one.*sigh*
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The only thing I really remember about that flick is the great, great ending. I remember my Dad telling me about it for awhile and when I finally saw it at about ten years old, I thought "Wow, what a cool ending". Funny how at 26, that's about all I can remember. But yeah, great one.
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Dec 01, 2006 10:03:04 PM CST
Ending that rivalled Taxi Driver? Yeah, I believe that.
by the wrong guy
In the words of Borat... NOT!
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This thing is worth the price of admission for the nighthawks question alone. It's one of my favorite stallone movies! "You're fuckin' dead!"
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I love that movie, but it's still like my 5th favorite Stallone movie. My question will never get picked. Those were all such good ones.
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Dec 01, 2006 11:59:18 PM CST
Will Clubber Lang, Drago, or Thunderlips appear in R-6?
by gibsonusa returns
That's what all my friends are asking. BTW, Stallone is the man.
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Damn you Michael Bay
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He says the new one is his favorite! And then ranks the rest from 1-5, in that exact order. Thanks for goin' out on a limb, Rock.
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The rest of the answers were pretty cool, so thanks for taking the time Mr. Stallone. As much as I've made fun of the idea of Rocky VI, I will still probably go check it out in theatres as long as the reviews aren't too scathing.
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Optimus Prime transforms into RAMBO!
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John Rambo trades in his bow and arrows for a pair of rollerblades. Action to the X- TREME!
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about Sly, but having unfettered (well, Harry-fettered, but that's not too bad) access to a star like this for hundreds of questions is a big deal. good luck getting -insert big star here- to do something like that. kudos to Sly for spending time on AICN nerds. I'm gonna see Rocky Balboa anyway, but I'm gonna convince 10 friends to come with me just because it's so cool that Stallone is doing this. oh, and we're all gonna pay 10 mil for our ticket, so there's your box office smash right there!
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This IS cool. I'm like an average Stallone fan I guess, I like his 80s movies and Cliffhanger, but I don't have a weird montage of Sly magazine photos pasted on my bedroom wall, with pictures of my face glued on top of whoever he happened to be standing beside. Or do I? Anyhow, his answers seem really down to earth, and I actually gave a good snort at "but thanks for making me feel important". I've officially bumped Rocky VI from "meh, maybe" to, "definitely, as long as it's better than 40% on Rotten Tomatoes".
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Somebody has to ask a Tango and Cash question. I freakin LOVE that movie. Two little mice... and so much damage!
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God knows how they let me in. Musta been 13 or so. Man that flick was so overloaded with testostrone that if I hadn't finished puberty before I went in I sure had by the time I came out. It may not have been great but that Mercury or whatever it was, was about the coolest car I'd ever seen._________ Actually I did see the original Rocky when I was a really little kid but that was at the drive-in with my Dad so I guess it doesn't count. Still remember the opening though 'cause people were walking in front of the car and my short-arse was tryin' ta see. Then the next year I saw Star Wars and it all went Pear-shaped. Geez I'm old.
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Whoa, whoa, whoa...hold the fuck up! Is it me or does it look like we need a Nighthawks Special Edition with all those scenes added in. Seems to me like we needed that baby yesterday at 4:00pm. I'm going on a hunger strike until we get that thing. Seriously. Anyone wanna join me? Oh yeah, and I'm watching Rocky Balboa at 12:00pm opening day. Screw waiting anymore than that. I know ABking will be there, but for all the rest... see you there... And with that... the rest is silence.
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I got to see it some time ago, while still in a rough form, and I was very impressed. I thought this movie would suck it hard, but I am happy to say that it will be well worth seeing. So, if he can close that series well, I am sure he can revive Rambo and not make it suck.
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The questions picked were great, I hope we get some questions in there about Cliffhanger, Demolition Man and Rhinestone. Yes, Rhinestone. I wanna know about the misses as well as the hits and Sly seems willing to answer all questions directly as they are coming. You gotta respect that.
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This is one of the most interesting posts in a long time. Thanks!
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Who needs movie mags when we get quality stuff like this? Very impressive so far, I look forward to the next installment of questions and answers.
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I'm sure the negs don't exist anymore. For shame. I want purposeful bloodletting.
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That was always one of my favorite non-Rocky Stallone movies. I'm really intrigued about all the cut stuff. If the heavily edited version is that good, count me in on wanting a deluxe special edition DVD with all the extra violence put back in. It would likely seem tame by todays standards, but still, sounds cool. Even if that footage no longer exists, a special edition with a commentary track with Stallone, Rutger Hauer, and Billy Dee Williams would be great.
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You're right, that's some pretty shitty ranking... I had the exact same thought when I read that shit. Not a very insightful answer...sounds like total B.S. But, as much as much as I think Sly has made a ton of shit movies, I will be first in line for every Rocky and Rambo movie, guaranteed. Thanks, AICN. Seriously. This is awesome. :)
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release with these deleted scenes.
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What a classy thing to do.
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It's so fucking cool to see a big movie star RECOGNIZE and APPRECIATE his ONLINE AUDIENCE. This guy is way ahead of Hollywood.
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say out Sly's lines out in his voice. It just gives it the proper effect
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that was the film that savoy re-opened with and in Ireland and the UK there was a lot of talk about the violence especially around the killing of the kid and the old man. But that opening was a wow and heart was in my mouth. What ticked alot of people off where i come from was the meaness of the movie and the fact that was very brutal, especially the scene where Janine Turner gets kidnapped and Sly has to rescue her and he gets tortured. Despite the brutality of it I think it was Sly's best film. Does anyone know why his career took such a dive apart from the comedies and the planet hollywood shambles. Normally I dont laugh at the others misfortunes but what happened to the supermodels was hyterical, the fashion cafe.....what a joke that was.....
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I have always been a fan of Stallone and this q&a session is just a reminder of why I have always been a fan!
Regular good guy q&a. This is a great session. Nicely done AICN!! -
Hell yeah. Definitely gonna see Sly in Rocky Balboa, after this very gracious act. Hope someone submits a cool Tango and Cash question. Best quote from Tango and cash? "I'm gonna put brown sugar up your ass." Man I love that film. And a young looking Teri Hatcher as the almost jail bait sister? Yummy.
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can't wait for rambo and rocky but would also love to see sly in something new instead of all these sequels
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i hate how so many actors ignore the internet. if they just came online and talked to the fans it would benefit them, and us, immensly.
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He didn't get credited as a screenwriter on it, as the rest of his script was completely rewritten, but he was rewarded with a producing credit. BTW, the guy performing the stunts there was Tom Cruise's double in the opening of M:I 2.
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I think the first round of questions went well. Good honest and open answers.
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...I'll be seeing it. A rather large group of us were just discussing whether or not we will be attending RB this past weekend. All of us are going.
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Hello people. I just read all of the Q&A'S about Sly and he truly is a funny guy. I can not wait for him to come back and talk to us agin.Does anyone know how long that might be?
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I heard that in one of the alternate scenes in Demolition Man you shoot a cryocon. Which one? A black guy or the Japanese guy when pursuing Wesley Snipes underground? Also Could you tell us of your fight scene with Jesse Ventura in Demolition Man if it was filmed? I was very disappointed not to see you fight Jesse Ventura physically in Demolition Man. I heard about in the footage of Demolition Man there was you with Jesse “The Body” Ventura slugging it out. I read the comic book adaptation and after your character kills 3 of the new recruits your character fights Jesse Ventura’s character with him choke holding and than be squat pressed and than shot with the gun pointed over the shoulder. Was that filmed when you do that to a cryocon henchman that you aim the gun over your shoulder?
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I don't know anything about the script of the expendibles but wouldn't it be great it Stallone did a modern remake of the magnificent Seven (Or the Seven Samari) using a similair cast? The setting could be similair to that of Rambo 4- these movies are all amazing- and filled with only the best stars! Some people need to learn to work together to create something truly amazing.
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Where did all the posts go?
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Was this thread longer?
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a couple hundred posts or so.You would have thought these threads would have been looked after and kept "whole" since it's probably the best thing that AICN ever did.
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I woundred if you have lived like rocky , you know? I am a big and i love the rocky movies. you know i have seen rocky 1 maybe 30 times. i am 16 years old and i think the you are a big actor and sometimes when i am in school I write many letters about the rocky scenes. Maybe rocky is over but it aint over til its over , you know . Maybe you could make Rocky 7. I have wroten a film skrip about rocky 7. My last question is.. have you lived your real life a litle bit like rocky? YOU ARE THE STAR
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