Review of Rocky II (1979) by Donald B — 20 Nov 2009

A good, quality sequel. Taking place immediately after the end of "Rocky", we see our star requiring extensive treatment after the punishment he suffered at the hands of Apollo. Creed tries to bully Rocky into a rematch, but Rocko is content with his winnings and would rather retire.

Rocky goes on a spending spree with all of the cash he earned from his bout. Soon after though, he has to look for a job when his inability to read cue cards during a commercial shoot dooms a big endorsement deal. Because Rocky never finished school and never really picked up any real skills, he is forced into hard labor. Eventually he has no other option then to cave in and fight Apollo again despite Adrian being against it.

Rocky 2 is a more emotional film than the first showing that despite his hard work and persistence, life is just as formidable a foe than as any boxing champ. Rocky works so hard to give Adrian a good life and to be a good person, but he just can't catch a break.

Sylvester Stallone may not be a great actor, but damn if he doesn't do one hell of a job with this character. You can literally feel every ache and pain of his character and I think that goes a long way in proving that Sly isn't on the level of Van Damme or Dolph Lungren.

Once again, the boxing match at the end is my least favorite scene from the movie, but the rest is strong enough to carry it through.

On a final note, Burgess Meredith is incredible in this movie as Mickey. Sure he was good in the original, but he had me laughing my ass off in this one.

YO ADRIAN! WE DID IT.