Review of Rocky II (1979) by Jesse M — 09 Jun 2013

(4 Stars) You should know that following an Oscar winning film is extremely difficult. Not really an understatement, but Rocky II isn't as good as Rocky. But Sly Stallone tried to give us a good continuation of the first, and I think he did it. Yes, it's cheesier with an army of kids following Balboa in the training montage, but it's still awesome. Yes, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) isn't as likable as he is in the first, but at least I understand why he is angry this time around. And yes the ending is more traditional than its original, but it's a logical step as Rocky is an underdog and... you know (BRIEF SPOILERS)... underdogs sometimes win.

Rocky II is a solid sequel. The film shows the aftermath of the fight with Creed and the rise of an underdog. He gets a lot of attention, endorsement deals, and a shot at an affluent life. He moves into a house with his new wife Adrian (Talia Shire) and the two live their lives. But money troubles arise even for good people. The story still feels real, although moments with Adrian getting a coma are a bit soap opera-esque. On its own, Rocky II is an amazing film, but it had an iconic masterwork to follow and it isn't filled with awesomely 1980's cheese, so maybe that's why it doesn't get the same attention as the rest.