Review of Rocky II (1979) by Jason D — 10 Nov 2009

With all the success of the original Rocky, it was only a matter of time before a sequel would come out, but some may have never guessed that it would be the franchise monster it turned into. Still, Rocky II delivers yet again as it delves into the same characters after the epic boxing match between Rocky (Sylvester Stallone again) and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers again).

As everyone returns back to their lives, all of them suffer big changes, when Rocky tries to get a regular job that slow degrades while Apollo is flooded with hate mail, threats, and accusations that he fixed the fight.

Determined to get back in the ring, Creed challenges Rocky over and over until he finally accepts and goes back to training. The training between Rocky and Mickey (Burgess Meredith again) starts off bad with Adrian (Talia Shire again) has complications with her pregnancy and goes into a small coma, but they eventually get back on trap and conclude with yet another rousing and inspiring boxing match.

Rocky II manages to be another entertaining and inspirational films. Written again and this time directed by Sylvester Stallone, he is able to keep with the same tone and flow as the first film and put a lot of focus on the characters rather than the boxing (which most people who automatically discount this film series seem to forget).

The rest of the cast does a commendable job with helping to keep this movie at a level of excellence. While the franchise takes a more sillier turn in the 80's, there is still the greatness and allure of the original and its first sequel.

Excellent movie. Wonderfully done.