On Location with Rocky

Okay, maybe this is a cheesy entry. The fact that I have included a picture of myself with my arms thrusting into the air, mimicking a certain movie-character icon, is something thousands of schmucks have done before and will continue to do as long as these steps stand. Well, that's okay for a few reasons.

I took this photo in the summer of 1999 on a trip to Philadelphia with a couple of buddies to see the Phillies play in the now-destroyed Veterans' Stadium. That's a long time ago. Well, the fact is that if I were to go down there today, I probably would pose the same way, as cheesy and familiar as it may be and as much as I would probably feel that I am "giving in" to popularity.

I could be stubborn and say that I'm too cool to do that while I watch all the other suckers posing with their arms up in that same spot. But here's the thing: How can you not? It would almost be ridiculous not to do it. Aside from going to the museum, why else are people standing on those steps? To see pictures? Those that want to see pictures are inside; or walking up the steps to go into the museum to see the pictures, I suppose. Those standing there are there to take in the aura of the film. Therefore, if you're there, thrust those arms.

The other thing is that the movie and that image mean a lot to me. I am a true Rocky fan. When Rocky thrusts his own arms into the sky, a change has occurred. A change to the character and to cinema itself. Hundreds of movies would follow that would essentially do the same thing: Signify that all underdogs can do it. Breaking Away, Meatballs, The Karate Kid... they all came from that moment. Heck, even the Nike "Just Do It" ad is a decendant from Rocky.

Movie locations can do this to us. We all have favorite films. Find that moment in the movie you love. Think about why you love it. Then find the location. I guarantee it will be a special moment. For me, when I'm at a favorite movie location, I'm happy to be a schmuck and sucker like everyone else.