"Rocky" surprise screenings at the London Film Festival

The surprise film of the London Film Festival on Friday night was "I Play Rocky," Peter Farrelly's biographical drama about the making of Sylvester Stallone's hit boxing franchise. Farley was on hand to introduce the film and gave a shout-out to its star, newcomer Anthony Ippolito, who has been praised for his portrayal of Sylvester Stallone. "I could have a […]

The surprise film of the London Film Festival on Friday night was "I Play Rocky," Peter Farrelly's biographical drama about the beginnings of Sylvester Stallone's beloved boxing franchise.

Farley was on hand to introduce the film and gave a shout-out to its star, newcomer Anthony Ippolito, who has already been praised for his performance as Stallone. "I could do a TED talk on Anthony Ippolito. This kid is ridiculous," Farley said. Related stories 'Reacher' renewed for season 6 ahead of season 5 'Bloodaxe': Season 2 Adds Amazon Viking drama Maddie Ambos, Steven Brand, Lasse Stein to cast.

"He heard about the movie, followed the script, shot three scenes in his grandmother's basement on Long Island and sent it to us," Farley continued. "I looked at it, 'That's it.' We never looked past him.” Popular in Variety

I Play Rocky tells the true story of how Stallone, then a young actor, overcame obstacles to write and star in the 1976 classic. Alongside Ippolito, Ansophia Robb stars as Stallone's wife Sasha Chek. Matt Dillon as his father Frank Stallone Sr. PJ Byrne as "Rocky" producer Irwin Winkler; Jay Duplass as director John Jay Wildson and more.

Farrelly added that he was very proud of the fact that Stallone himself was happy with the film. No matter how good the movie is, how many people like it, if Stallone says "I don't like it," I'm going to be really disappointed. "And he loved it."

The film premiered at last month's Toronto Film Festival, where it was nominated for a People's Choice Award to positive reviews. Variety's senior film critic Owen Gleiberman called the film a "crowd pleaser" and praised Ippolito for getting it "just right", writing, "Watching and listening to Anthony Ippolito, we can believe that Sylvester Stallone is acting in front of us, even though he is acting in front of us. "He's really playing Stallone — the tough, tough guy he was back then."

I Play Rocky is set to hit theaters in the US and UK on November 6.