This is a terrific story based on the true story of Rocky Dennis, (played by Eric Stolz) who overcomes one of the biggest obstacles life can throw at you, a facial deformity. Rocky is born with a very rare birth defect, caused by two recessive genes that leaves his head badly misshapen and his face terribly deformed, despite several operations and extensive treatment to correct and lesson the deformity, he is still a child that people stare at in the street and is the butt of jokes and taunts. Rocky attends a clinic regularly where he is informed that his life expectancy is less than a year but his mother refuses to “dig his grave” and pushes Rocky to be his best. Rusty Dennis, Rocky’s mother (played by Cher) is determined for Rocky to lead a normal life. Rocky is of above average intelligence and performs well at school and his mother instills in him such a high level of self esteem that Rocky is able to hold his head up high and rise above his disability. Rusty Dennis refuses to allow Rocky to have a disability and she never makes allowances for him, this in itself allows Rocky to lead as normal a life as possible.

This story is not just about Rocky and his struggle for normality. It also tells Rusty’s story, Cher is brilliant as Rusty, a single mum who runs with a GROUP of bikers. They have unofficially claimed Rocky as their own; they protect him and love him. The Bikers all form a weird type of family who look out for each other. Life is not rosy for Rocky, his mother drinks, smokes, and takes drugs and his home life is tough. They live a meagre existence with little or no money most of the time; he is surrounded by “bad examples” and manages to excel despite of this. It is this that gives you such respect for Rocky and his mother.

The acting is brilliant Cher plays a great role and makes the film work. It’s an easy DVD to watch and I found myself engrossed in the whole story very early into it.

THE EXTRAS

The DVD had no special features expect language selection.

CONCLUSION

Based on the true story of Rocky Dennis, he overcomes one of the biggest obstacles life can throw at you, a facial deformity. Rocky is born with a very rare birth defect, caused by two recessive genes that leaves his head badly misshapen and his face terribly deformed. Rocky attends a clinic regularly where he is informed that his life expectancy is less than a year but his mother refuses to “dig his grave” and pushes Rocky to be his best.