Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Netflix documentary memoir, “Sly,” has easily surpassed Sylvester Stallone’s documentary, revealing a rivalry that goes beyond the box office. While Schwarzenegger’s three-part documentary delves into various aspects of his life and career, Stallone’s “Sly” focuses mainly on himself.
The documentary features Stallone discussing his rise to fame with the “Rocky” franchise, including fortuitous casting developments and the injuries he sustained during the making of “Rocky IV.” Stallone also opens up about his abusive father, how he began writing out of frustration with the roles he was offered, and how he turned down a lucrative offer for “Rocky” because the studio opposed him playing the lead role.
Despite featuring interviews with Schwarzenegger, as well as co-stars and admirers, director Thomas Zimny’s film is primarily centered around Stallone’s perspective. The documentary aims to humanize the actor and present him as an older, wiser individual with a newfound understanding of the importance of family. However, it falls short in providing a comprehensive context for Stallone’s filmography and its significance in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Compared to other nostalgic documentaries released in recent years, such as “Arnold” and “Val,” “Sly” is considered a lightweight contender. While it serves as a pop-culture record and allows Stallone to tell his story to fans, it lacks the depth and substance found in the best documentaries of its kind.
“Sly” is set to premiere on Netflix on November 3, giving viewers the chance to gain insights into the life and career of Sylvester Stallone from his own perspective.