Sylvester Stallone is widely known as a legendary action movie star, yet his ventures into the realm of comedy have had a tumultuous history. While Stallone’s memorable portrayals of characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo have solidified his status in Hollywood, his forays into humor have been met with mixed results. From humorous hits to notable flops, Stallone’s comedic filmography presents a varied landscape, emphasizing both his strengths and weaknesses in the genre.
Despite the ups and downs, some of Stallone’s comedies have garnered appreciation, and although his cameo appearances, such as in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, are not included here, it’s essential to acknowledge his entertaining brief roles in various films. Boasting a distinctive voice, an engaging acting style, and an often overlooked knack for comedic timing, Stallone’s contributions to comedy deserve recognition alongside his action film accolades. Despite the imperfections, there’s an undeniable charm to Stallone’s lighter performances that warrants exploration.
9
Avenging Angelo (2002)
Sylvester Stallone as Frankie Delano
Avenging Angelo stands out as a direct-to-video action comedy that faced widespread critique upon release. Revolving around a bodyguard avenging his murdered mob boss client, the film paired Stallone with the mobster’s estranged daughter on a quest for vengeance. While the premise suggests a thrilling ride, Avenging Angelo faltered in both its comedic and action elements, ultimately resulting in a disappointing offering.
This film also holds significance as it marks the final performance of the legendary actor Anthony Quinn as the slain mobster Angelo Allieghieri. Regrettably, this role did not showcase Quinn’s full talent. At this point in his career, Stallone chose roles that veered away from his established legacy, leading to a film that remains largely unseen and underappreciated for good reason.
8
Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
Sylvester Stallone as Sergeant Joseph Andrew “Joe”Bomowski
The film Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot is often deemed one of Stallone’s most infamous comedic misfires. He takes on the role of a police officer burdened by his meddling mother, portrayed by the talented Estelle Getty. Its absurdity proved unsuccessful, lacking the humor and captivating elements necessary to make the premise work.
Stallone’s attempt to replicate Arnold Schwarzenegger’s success, particularly following Kindergarten Cop, fell flat. In a moment of humorous irony, Schwarzenegger reportedly misled Stallone into considering this role by insinuating interest in the script (source: JoBlo), resulting in a film that, despite its few laughable moments when watched with friends, lacked depth in its central storyline.
7
Rhinestone (1984)
Sylvester Stallone as Nick Martinelli
Among Stallone’s 1980s endeavors, Rhinestone is often regarded as one of his weakest films. This musical comedy, which paired Stallone with the iconic Dolly Parton, was best remembered for Parton’s successful soundtrack contributions, including her hit “Tennessee Homesick Blues.”However, the film itself was a tedious adaptation of the song “Rhinestone Cowboy” that could not maintain viewer interest for its full runtime.
Stallone, cast as an obnoxious New York taxi driver attempting to break into country music, exhibited little chemistry with Parton. This disconnect contributed to the film’s poor box office performance and is an iconic example of Stallone’s miscasting within the comedy genre.
6
Grudge Match (2013)
Sylvester Stallone as Henry “Razor”Sharp
Grudge Match invited viewers to witness Stallone and Robert De Niro face off in the boxing ring during their twilight years. While some saw this comedy as an affectionate nod to each actor’s storied careers, others criticized it as a mere cash grab. The narrative revolves around the long-lingering rivalry between two aging boxers, which unfortunately did not quite capture the essence of legends like Rocky and Raging Bull.
Nonetheless, the film contains enough humor, delightful cameos, and engaging interactions between the lead actors to keep it entertaining. Stallone and De Niro’s chemistry evokes nostalgic warmth, making it enjoyable despite feeling somewhat underwhelming given the stellar cast involved.
5
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003)
Sylvester Stallone as Agent Sebastian / Toymaker
The Spy Kids franchise, notably directed by Robert Rodriguez, charmed audiences with its inventive storytelling and family-friendly themes. In Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, Stallone embodied the villainous Toymaker, who entrapped the young protagonist in a virtual reality world.
While his role might have been brief, Stallone’s portrayal resonated within the narrative, contributing to its excitement and adventure. Despite the overall enjoyment, critics noted Stallone’s work in this role was polarizing, as he received a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actor, reflecting the challenges of translating his action star persona into a comedic role.
4
Oscar (1991)
Sylvester Stallone as Angelo “Snaps”Provolone
Oscar portrayed Stallone in a refreshing comedic light, yet sadly did not fare well at the box office. Directed by John Landis, this screwball comedy exhibits Stallone as a gangster torn between a criminal life and a desire to fulfill his father’s dying wish. Though initially met with skepticism, this film has since garnered a degree of appreciation for its warmth and humor.
With a remarkable supporting cast including Tim Curry, Marisa Tomei, and Chazz Palminteri, it showcased Stallone’s comedic capabilities, making it a notable work despite its initial shortcomings. Although it faced backlash for deviating from traditional Stallone roles, Oscar is still cherished by some as a hidden gem with plenty of heart.
3
Antz (1998)
Sylvester Stallone as Corporal Weaver
In the animated film Antz, which inadvertently competed with Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, Stallone lent his voice to Corporal Weaver, a brave ant in a revolutionary quest for love and individuality. The film’s storyline, steeped in socio-political themes, resonated with audiences, distinguishing it from other children’s films.
With a talented voice cast, Stallone’s tough-guy image translated well into his animated role. Antz offered a unique narrative with varied tones, contributing to its recognition as a significant effort during the early days of CGI animation.
2
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Sylvester Stallone as Nanaue / King Shark
The Suicide Squad presented a fresh take on the franchise, successfully surpassing its predecessor. With an ensemble cast including Margot Robbie and Idris Elba, James Gunn’s film embraced a blend of humor and critique of contemporary themes. Stallone’s portrayal of King Shark provided an unexpectedly emotional depth to a character otherwise perceived as a mere monster.
Stallone’s ability to convey King Shark’s vulnerabilities and loneliness added layers to the character within the chaotic narrative. In a sea of captivating performances, Stallone’s role emerged as a standout, embodying both humor and heart.
1
Tango & Cash (1989)
Sylvester Stallone as Lieutenant Ray Tango
Closing out the 1980s, Stallone’s performance in Tango & Cash is arguably one of his ultimate comedic endeavors. Rotating taut clichés within the buddy cop genre, it features Stallone as the suave Lieutenant Ray Tango alongside Kurt Russell as the brash Gabe Cash. This classic movie not only serves as an action-packed narrative but also as a nostalgic homage to the genre’s tropes.
With a beloved status that has since cultivated a cult following, Tango & Cash represents the pinnacle of Stallone’s comedic artistry in that decade. The captivating chemistry between the lead actors, along with clever quips and cheeky clichés, cements its place as a classic in both Stallone’s career and the action-comedy landscape.
Source: JoBlo