Where Nostalgia Meets the Weight of Growing Up

Read Time:4 Minute, 8 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rocky's
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Benjamin Cohen, Max Strand
Writer(s): Benjamin Cohen, Max Strand
Cast: Jasai Chase-Owens, Gil Perez-Abraham, Ben Cook, Stanley Simons, Eric Freeman, Steven Maier, Sharlene Cruz, Dante Palminteri, Victoria Andrunik, Dani Foster, Ani Mesa, Branden Lindsay
Where To Watch: available on digital platforms January 21, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Revisiting the past often feels like flipping through an old scrapbook—you’re hit with flashes of joy, pain, and everything in between. ROCKY’S captures this experience with sincerity, telling a story about the bonds we forge and how life inevitably reshapes them. Set against the backdrop of a neighborhood deli, the film invites viewers to reflect on how the people and places from our past continue to define us, even when we’ve moved on.

At the center of the story is Charlie, portrayed by Jasai Chase-Owens. After losing someone close, Charlie returns to his hometown, dropping into a world he thought he had left behind. The deli, Rocky’s, serves as more than just a nostalgic hangout. It’s a central hub where memories collide with the present, blending youth's innocence with the complexities of adulthood. The connection between Charlie and this space anchors the film, lending weight to the story.

The chemistry among the cast is a clear testament to the direction of Benjamin Cohen and Max Strand, whose collaborative vision brings the story’s emotional nuances to life. Gil Perez-Abraham brings a magnetic tension to his role as Danny, capturing the strain and camaraderie of old friendships. Ben Cook’s Liam exudes a quiet strength, acting as the steadying force within the group. And Branden Lindsay’s Noah offers a heartfelt portrayal that balances the more chaotic dynamics at play. Stanley Simons and Steven Maier shine as Greg and Socks, injecting humor that keeps the film grounded and relatable. Dante Palminteri and Dani Foster stand out as Elbow and Eddie, delivering performances that leave a lasting impression. Ani Mesa and Sharlene Cruz’s performances enrich the journey and ensure every interaction offers staying power in the audience's minds.

The film’s decision to play out its narrative in real time creates an immersive experience. Conversations between the characters feel raw and unpolished, capturing the honesty of reconnection after years apart. Cohen and Strand’s screenplay resists the temptation to overdramatize, opting for a deeper connection in how relationships are depicted. Every awkward silence and every unresolved conflict feels deliberate, reflecting the complexity of navigating old friendships in adulthood.

What sets ROCKY’S apart is its ability to explore universal themes without feeling heavy-handed. The film delves into questions of identity and change, prompting viewers to consider how much of who they are is rooted in the past. It strikes a delicate balance, neither romanticizing nostalgia nor dismissing its significance. Instead, it embraces the bittersweet reality that growth often comes with equal parts joy and loss.

One of the film’s most impressive accomplishments is its balance. Humor and drama coexist seamlessly, ensuring the lighter moments never undercut the emotional gravity. Cohen and Strand’s direction allows these shifts to feel natural, creating a story that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. It’s a delicate dance that pays off, ensuring the narrative remains engaging from start to finish.

ROCKY’S leaves viewers with more than just a sense of nostalgia—it offers a moment of introspection. The film’s themes of memory, growth, and reconnection resonate, encouraging audiences to reflect on their lives. It reminds us that while the past may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us entirely. Instead, it becomes part of the foundation that allows us to grow.

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[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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