Synopsis
After Apollo Creed’s (Carl Weathers) defeat at the hands of Rocky (Sylvester Stallone), Creed demands a rematch to prove that Rocky’s victory was a fluke.
Review
I wasn’t a huge fan of Rocky, I thought it was good but not great, unlike most people. As a result, I wasn’t excessively optimistic about Rocky II. Which I suppose was the right attitude to have because Rocky II is very similar in structure to the previous film. Nonetheless, it is a good, organic continuation of Rocky’s story. He feels more vulnerable this time around, which helps to really dig into his character. Adrian (Talia Shire) gets more development this time too. There also is much more Mickey (Burgess Meredith)! I wanted to see more of these two characters from the previous film and felt they were underutilized, so I really enjoyed their expanded presence. I was a little surprised by Mickey. He is sassy and made me laugh out loud several times throughout the movie. Meredith was absolutely wonderful.
When I watch a boxing movie, I look forward to the boxing matches. Like Rocky, Rocky II spends more time developing Rocky outside the ring than inside. However, the final match between him and Apollo was much longer and didn’t feel rushed like the last movie. There was also much more of Rocky’s training with Mickey, which I found lacking in Rocky. Almost as much as I like watching the matches, I like to see the relationship between boxer and trainer flourish, so again, this was a nice step up. In the end though, I did enjoy Rocky more. Although Rocky II made some improvements, it fell into the trap of many sequels and feels too similar to what came before without offering much new.
Rating
3/5
You can also read my reviews for the rest of the Rocky series: Rocky, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa.
Trailer
Cast & Crew
Sylvester Stallone – Writer / Director
Bill Conti – Composer
Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa
Talia Shire – Adrian
Burt Young – Paulie
Carl Weathers – Apollo Creed
Burgess Meredith – Mickey
Tony Burton – Apollo’s trainer
Joe Spinell – Gazzo
Drew’s Movie Reviews is now on Google+.
Drew's Movie Reviews 
Great review! You’ve reminded me, it’s time to dig out the box-set and watch these films through, again.
LikeLike
Thanks! Good, I’m glad I could give you that push. Believe it or not, this is my first time going through all these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I remember, it’s a huge amount of fun, but you have to play along with it, to get the most out of it.
LikeLike
They’ve been good so far but I haven’t been overly impressed. Maybe I’m just not playing along enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good review. It’s a good sequel. But for awhile, it does meander.
LikeLike
Thanks. It does. There are just parts where it doesn’t seem to be doing anything, which feels kind of like a let down.
LikeLike
Great review.
I’ve been meaning to watch these again for ages. I really enjoyed them when I was younger, so I guess we will see what happens when I watch it again 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks. I can’t wait to hear about them. 🙂 This is the first time I’m watching the Rocky movies. It’s one of those series that I’m surprised it has taken me this long to get around to.
LikeLike
Rocky III is my favorite of the sequels, but I do like the second one too. About time you got to these! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m up through Rocky III and I liked that better than this one, but you’ll hear all about that soon. Haha I know, right? Better late than never. 😛
LikeLike