Gonna fly now! Adam and Nate step into the ring with Rocky (1976), a classic that not only changed the boxing genre, but may surprise some with its human drama. They compare and contrast with to The Simpsons episode “The Homer They Fall” (S8E3), a mashup of boxing movie parodies.

Also in this episode:

• Parodies of convenience: When a movie reference is just a means to an end

• Is every memorable moment in Rocky thanks to director John G. Avildsen?

• Five stellar performances that balance quirky character with emotional realism

• How Rocky changed cinematography and editing in the boxing genre and beyond

• Nate gives Adam a lightning round on the sequels he’s never seen, from Rocky II to Rocky VII: Adrian’s Revenge!

Next time, Adam and Nate celebrate the 50th anniversary of a classic of American cinema, with Simpsons references in “Treehouse of Horror XI” (S12E1)!