John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs

Released Aug 1, 2017

1h 18m

Documentary

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Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

The life and career of John G. Avildsen, Oscar-winning director of "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid"; includes interviews with friends and colleagues Sylvester Stallone, Ralph Macchio, Martin Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Talia Shire and others.

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Stephen Farber

Hollywood Reporter

This affectionate portrayal of an unpretentious journeyman director will engage his detractors as well as his admirers.

Jul 18, 2017

Full Review

Bradley Gibson

Film Threat

Derek Wayne Johnson's documentary John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs is a love letter to a man we didn't know we loved.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 9, 2017

Full Review

Christian Toto

HollywoodInToto.com

Hollywood has little use for John G. Avildsen's brand of uplifting stories. This film reminds us how poorly that reflects on the industry.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 2, 2017

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Audience Member

Wow, had no idea who he was, but seeing this film made me admire his tenacity and vision. I felt like I just went to film school, Fascinating hearing Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Morgan Freeman and Stallone share their stories of working with Avildsen and the behind the scenes footage was riveting.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

Great behind-the-scenes footage never seem before of Rocky, Saturday Night Fever, and other great films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

This was an awesome documentary. Beautifully edited and filmed. If you are into movies or just a fan of behind the scenes, this is a much watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is such a well done documentary about such an interesting life, I find it very inspiring. I moved to LA three years ago and love how people here are brave enough to follow their dreams, in spite of the challenges and obstacles. John Avildsen proved that obstacles are opportunities in disguise and the filmmakers who paid homage to this great director should feel very proud. It was so well done, and so captivating, I watched it over and over.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Wow! An amazing introspective heartfelt documentary that details the life and work of a great film maker! He shaped our movies of today!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Derek Wayne Johnson

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Self

Ralph Macchio

Self

Martin Scorsese

Self

Burt Reynolds

Self

Jerry Weintraub

Self

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John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The life and career of John G. Avildsen, Oscar-winning director of "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid"; includes interviews with friends and colleagues Sylvester Stallone, Ralph Macchio, Martin Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Talia Shire and others.

Director: Derek Wayne Johnson
Producer: Emmett James, Derek Wayne Johnson, Chris May
Screenwriter: Derek Wayne Johnson
Distributor: Chassy Media
Production Co: AJ16 Entertainment
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2017, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2017
Runtime: 1h 18m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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