Rocky III (1982) Movie Review

Summary:

After the death of his trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself lost. Rocky’s defeat at the hands of challenger Clubber Lang (Mr. T) also leaves him broken. To regain his confidence, former rival Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) offers to train him.

Review:

Directed by Sylvester Stallone once again, Rocky III is familiar in its tone, direction, and dialogue.

Much of the film’s story focuses on regaining Rocky’s confidence.

These include his interactions with his wife, Adrian (Talia Shire), and his former rival, Apollo Creed. Each of these scenes presents a similar tone, focusing on character drama.

Whilst this film’s drama does provide meaning at times, some of it is lost amidst the melodramatic dialogue.

Take a scene where Adrian talks to Rocky on a beach as an example. Much of the scene involves Talia delivering melodramatic dialogue.

Though the meaning behind her words is genuine, it can come across as overdramatic.

This can affect the pacing and story as a result, which are not as strong this time around.

Where Rocky III does find a more solid footing is in Rocky’s interactions with Apollo Creed. Rocky III does this by providing Rocky with an alternative approach to training.

Instead of relying on heavy movement, Apollo trains him to be lighter on his feet.

As a result, this gives him an advantage against Clubber Lang in the film’s conclusion. It is a rewarding payoff, complemented by Bill Conti’s music.

Yet again, the film uses Bill Conti’s classic “Gonna Fly Now” during the montage before Rocky’s final fight.

To see him train with Apollo gives the film a full circle-type moment. This is a quality fans will appreciate from the first two films.

Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” also complements the training montages with Apollo. This is despite the song's limited use.

Rocky III also has a similar visual style to the first. Each location is well-filmed, showcasing Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

While Rocky’s time in LA is brief, it is good to see a different location explored.

Rocky III has mixed results with Mr. T’s Clubber Lang as Rocky's opponent.

Much of Clubber’s dialogue is simplistic, with little meaning behind his words.

It is almost as if Sylvester Stallone told Mr. T to be himself, and he went with it.

Despite his simplistic character, Mr. T is intimidating when he sets foot in the ring. His physique is impressive, bolstered by the force of his punches.

Each one feels as if Clubber has rockets for gloves. This is evident in his first fight with Rocky, pummelling him with heavy shots.

For fans who want entertaining fights, Rocky III delivers. There is also an exhibition fight involving former WWE 1980s wrestler Hulk Hogan.

Referred to in the film as Thunderlips, Terry Bollea (his real name) showcases his wrestling background.

He hits moves that wrestling fans should be all too familiar with. These involve body slams, a suplex, and even Hogan’s signature leg drop.

Though the fight has no bearing on the story, it is entertaining to watch.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Rocky III is an uneven yet entertaining film. While its drama and story are weaker this time around, its characters are still good.

Seeing Rocky train with Apollo brings both characters full circle. This is something that franchise fans will appreciate.

Rocky III’s use of Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” also makes the montages entertaining.

This is the same case with Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” despite its brief use.

Fans of the first two films should also appreciate Rocky III’s visuals. While they present a similar tone to the first two, it still has style.

Where Rocky III loses some points is when it focuses on Clubber Lang.

While it’s clear Mr. T enjoyed himself, Clubber has a simplistic motive and dialogue.

His character improves once he steps into the ring. Each of his strikes showcases pure power. Mr. T's impressive physique also makes each punch more believable.

Wrestling fans will also appreciate Hulk Hogan’s appearance as Thunderlips.

While his fight with Rocky has no impact on the story, fans will find it entertaining. As a whole, Rocky III’s narrative and story are weaker this time around.

Its use of drama is not as meaningful, focusing more on montages. Still, Rocky fans who appreciate montages will find entertainment.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 6.5/10

Pacing - 6.5/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 6.8 out of 10