Review of Rocky II (1979) by Shawn E — 10 May 2012

Rocky II continues the tale of everyone's most beloved underdog, and while Rocky may have not need another go-around, let alone a franchise, it does succeed in furthering the character development of Balboa, as well as giving him another (if deus-ex-machina) shot at the big leagues.

In addition to once again writing the screenplay (and of course, starring), Sylvester Stallone replaces John G. Avildsen behind the camera this time out, and definitely manages to concoct a decent enough followup, directed in a similar workmanlike style as the first installment, and while the writing is a little repetitive this time out, it still definitely succeeds as a piece of entertainment.

It's also nice to see Rocky fighting not to hold his own, but to win, and to see Apollo Creed be portrayed less as a unconquerable antagonist and more of as an archrival of sorts. And Stallone once again manages to completely sell Rocky as a character, furthering his relationship with Adrian (once again played perfectly by Talia Shire), as well as continuing his rivalry with Creed, training with Mickey, and friendship with Paulie.

Carl Weathers is still perfect for Creed, who's a little bitter to the reaction to his close fight from the first film, while Burt Young and Burgess Meredith are as good as they were in the first as well.

Overall, Rocky II is a still-inspirational and serviceable sequel, even if the path of this one is a little bit easier to predict.