As soon as you hear the opening trumpets of "Gonna Fly Now", the theme of Rocky, you can't help but feel the spirit of determination rise. That song embodies the very heart of the 1976 film starring Sylvester Stallone that shattered box office expectations and earned itself an Oscar for Best Picture. The low-budget movie about an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who gets a chance at the heavyweight championship belt resonates with anyone and everyone who ever felt like they were faced with insurmountable odds. I watch the first Rocky movie and any of the others (six total in the film franchise) when I need to muster up not only physical, but also emotional strength for the trials of life. The movie also brought us such inspiring songs as "Eye of the Tiger" that can rally anyone from off their knees. Rocky reminds us all to take the hits that life lands and keep coming back.

~ Jennifer Jones