Rocky II (1979) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Underdog boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) encounters difficulty with life outside the ring. After his title match against Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), the champ goads him into a rematch. Once again, Rocky has to put it all on the line and prove his worth in the ring.

Review:

For fans of the original Rocky (1976), its sequel has many familiar elements. This includes the film’s visuals, soundtrack, and tone.

While these elements are not as strong as the original, the sequel should please most fans.

As with any sequel, Rocky II expands on the main protagonist.

In this film, Rocky marries Adrian (Talia Shire) and has a baby boy with her. These elements are the main focal points of the film and are well-handled.

As with the first, Rocky II has a human approach to its characters. This comes across in the film’s many performances.

Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, he brings Rocky crashing down to new lows. As a whole, Rocky II’s pacing can meander in the first half.

While some may find this frustrating, this film uses it to build uncertainty about Rocky’s future.

This makes his eventual rematch against Apollo Creed more satisfying.

Rocky II also explores Apollo Creed’s frustration towards Rocky for their previous fight.

With it, the film makes Apollo Creed doubt his abilities as a champion.

This doubt is at the forefront, with Carl Weathers giving a charismatic performance once again.

As an actor, it is difficult to imagine anyone else portraying Apollo Creed. As expected, Rocky II brings back Burgess Meredith as Rocky’s trainer, Mickey.

As a seasoned actor, Meredith gives an energetic yet subdued performance.

For fans of his character in the first Rocky, they’ll appreciate Burgess’s presence in this sequel.

As with the first, Rocky II has an entertaining soundtrack by Bill Conti.

Although it is not as prevalent as the first Rocky, it has its entertaining moments. Take Rocky’s training montage towards the film’s conclusion.

Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” is at the forefront, pushing Rocky and his supporters forward.

It shows how much Rocky has inspired the people of Philadelphia to go the distance.

As a montage, it is on par with the first film. It is an entertaining scene that should inspire many people.

Though the rest of Conti’s score is good, most of it is in the background. As with its visuals, Rocky II is familiar to fans of the first.

There are wide shots that showcase Philadelphia’s inner city and rural areas.

Though this film doesn’t have as many standout shots as the original, it is good as a whole.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Rocky II is a good follow-up sequel to the first. It contains the same heartfelt tone as the original, which is evident in its characters.

Rocky II has many good performances from its main cast. Much of this is evident in scenes with Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and Talia Shire’s Adrian.

Each of them has good chemistry, brought on by the challenges their characters encounter.

Though this film’s first half meanders at times, it provides a different side to Rocky.

This film’s decision to bring Rocky down invests the audience more in the story.

Rocky II also gives Rocky more connection with Adrian and their eventual baby boy.

Rocky II also gives more doubt to Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed. Given the actor’s charisma, this makes the character more entertaining to watch.

On the flip side, Burgess Meredith gives a more subdued performance, yet is still good.

This film’s soundtrack and visuals give it a similar feel to the first. While neither of these elements compares to the original, they serve the film well enough.

Rocky II has many good moments that fans of the first film will appreciate.

For those who want a similar experience to the original, Rocky II is worth putting the gloves on again.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7/10

Pacing - 6.5/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 7 out of 10