Review of Rocky III (1982) by Ray D — 21 Feb 2009

Sylvester Stallone Vs. Mr T in what works out as a ridiculously note-perfect time capsule of early '80's middle-America keeping the happy train on the rails. There's an innate sense of ridiculousness in the film, directed by Stallone himself, that sort of subverts the story (which is supposed to be about Stallone getting frustrated with the success that's made him soft and getting back to basics by letting Mr. T punch him in the head and not giving up, or something)--sort of the apothesis of Stallone's 80's persona--I don't think he was ever more effective (or probably fun to watch if you checked your brain at the door) than he was here. And the film had 'Eye of the Tiger' which should give it an extra star just in its own right. Man, I loved that song.

Shame about Burgess Meredith, though.