Tom Hardy was channeling Rocky Balboa

yes, and somehow i believe he intended to as well. Like a mute caged liony carebear.

Beg to differ. Hardy’s Bob didn’t give me the impression that he was dropped multiple times on his head as a baby and then punched one too many times throughout his adulthood... you know, like Baalbowwaa. :}

If Hardy reminded me of anyone in this film, it was of Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy. Hardy does resembles Brando, though it’s his mannerisms and overall demeanor in this film that was quite reminiscent of Brando’s Malloy; Brando in OTW also comes off as a guy who is slowly losing his patience. Hardy gives a subdued yet commanding performance here. Riveting.