THE MILLSAPS HOOKS PROJECT

“Here he is, the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Rocky Balboa!” Before those words could ever be uttered by a smooth announcer in a Las Vegas casino, Rocky Balboa had to transform his mediocrity into talent capable of capturing a world title. During this process of transformation, the most memorable stance in modern movie history was born. Yes, I speak of the famous arms up, fists clenched, legs spread, and victorious stance of a grey sweat-suit clad Sylvester Stallone upon his ascent of the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. No other scene in movie history has been replayed so many times by so many adoring fans. Whether it is steps of the Nation’s Capitol or the steps of the local library, fans of all ages cannot resist the temptation to quicken their pace and throw up their hands in victory upon reaching the top.

--Cree Cantrell