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John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs

Play trailer 1:38 Poster for John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs Released Aug 1, 2017 1h 18m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter 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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John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs

Critics Reviews

View All (3) Critics Reviews
Stephen Farber The 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (5) audience reviews
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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

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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