As “Sly” begins, Sylvester Stallone poses a question: “Do I have regrets?” He emphatically responds, “Absolutely, I have regrets.”

This opening quote cleverly sets the stage for a film delving into the career of a man whose legacy often appears to be a blend of achievements and ridicule. As an actor, screenwriter and director, Stallone is the creative force behind iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo.

Yet, Stallone’s journey is marked by his struggle to earn respect in the film industry, along with his fair share of forgettable films.

Director Thom Zimny branched out from the traditional filming style of documentaries. Instead of Stallone sitting in a chair, staring and talking directly into the camera, “Sly” has Stallone up and on the move.

He predominantly addresses the camera while standing up and walking around his house, almost as if he can’t sit still, and for an actor whose most famous role is playing a boxer, it’s a subtle touch that alludes to Stallone’s career.

“Sly” centers on Stallone’s choice to leave his Los Angeles home, which serves as both a sanctuary for Stallone’s art collection and an extensive collection of memorabilia from his films.

Why is Stallone moving? Part of the reason lies in his dislike for complacency and the need for a change in scenery to rekindle his creative spirit.

“Sly” then shifts to the beginnings of Stallone’s acting journey, explaining how he started as a young kid from a rough neighborhood in New York City. It didn’t take Stallone long to realize if he wanted to secure substantial roles with memorable characters, he would have to write them himself.

At one point in the documentary, Stallone revisits his former New York City neighborhood, striking up entertaining conversations with disbelieving New Yorkers. These moments help viewers understand how Stallone became the iconic figure he is today and his charming personality shines through effortlessly.

“Sly” gives a considerable amount of attention to capturing what makes Stallone special, and his upbringing, which Stallone describes as “unpredictable,” is a key part of the documentary.

While Stallone’s troubled relationship with his father, Frank, is shown as a major influence on his life and career, the documentary doesn’t talk much about his other relationships. Stallone’s current wife, Jennifer, and their three daughters are in the film, but his first two wives and his second son, Seargeoh, aren’t mentioned.

The documentary focuses on the tragic story of his son Sage, but viewers who are unaware of Sage’s fate might not fully grasp the significance of his story, as he died in 2012.

In the end, “Sly’s” success hinges on Sylvester Stallone’s remarkable self-awareness in evaluating his work. The documentary’s shortcomings often arise because Stallone fixates on other avenues of his life, refusing to go into the same level of depth he does on his projects. 

All in all, Stallone demonstrates his ability to articulate his legacy, resulting in the discovery of meaningful insights into his life and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. “Sly” is streaming on Netflix.