Netflix Sly vs Arnold: In the realm of Netflix documentary memoirs, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s three-part epic easily outshines Sylvester Stallone’s “Sly.” While their past rivalry for box-office supremacy may have been intense, Schwarzenegger takes the lead in the world of captivating self-reflection.
“Sly” focuses extensively on Stallone’s life and career, offering some interesting tidbits, such as the fortunate casting choices in “Rocky” and the tale of Dolph Lundgren’s dangerous impact during the making of “Rocky IV.” However, it tends to lean heavily on self-indulgent and somewhat worn-out insights.
Stallone does delve into his challenging upbringing with an abusive father, his shift into writing due to dissatisfaction with typecast roles, and the bold decision to turn down a substantial offer for “Rocky” when the studio was reluctant to cast him as the lead. The documentary emphasizes how “Rocky” transformed Stallone’s life overnight, while also sidelining his brother, Frank, who became overshadowed as “Rocky’s brother.”
What’s often forgotten is Stallone’s initial post-“Rocky” failures, with movies like “F.I.S.T.” and “Paradise Alley.” It wasn’t until he found his niche in the franchise business with the “Rocky” and “Rambo” series that his career regained momentum.
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Despite featuring interviews with Schwarzenegger, co-star Talia Shire, Quentin Tarantino, and Henry Winkler, director Thomas Zimny primarily presents “The World According to Sly.” The documentary intends to humanize Stallone, showcasing a more mature and reflective version of the actor, emphasizing his shift in focus toward family in his later years.
While “Sly” provides insight into Stallone’s personal life, it doesn’t delve deeply into the context of his filmography within the broader cultural landscape of the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. Stallone’s iconic characters, such as Rambo and Rocky, are depicted as Cold War heroes, but the documentary could have explored their roles more thoroughly.
In essence, “Sly” feels somewhat like a licensed product, lacking the depth and perspective that would make it a standout in the genre of nostalgic documentaries. While it offers a glimpse into the life of an influential figure, it falls short of being a heavyweight contender in the genre.