The other truly great Rocky film

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2019)

I would be hard pressed to say if this film or the 1st Rocky was the better film. It is remarkable the way this film expands the franchise in interesting directions-Rocky as sage and embracing his frailty is just so right-while also being true its roots. Don grappling with being Apollo's kid makes for a different sort of underdog story and yet the big parts of the formula are present and effective. Th story is at once completely new but comforting familiar. I love that this film refocused a good length of the story onto the interpersonal relationships and it tells a great love story, just like the first Rocky.
The best part of the film through is the direction, The use of long takes and steady cam work in the fights is brilliant work. The fights feel alive, more realistic and yet still have an operatic edge to them that fights the Rocky formula. The 2nd fight especially is show case of direction and visual flare that stands apart as some of best footage in the series. This film is the only sequel to really capture the ironies-how blue collar settings are juxtaposed with spectacle as Americana-of the first film. It is updated but the essence is the same.
Stallone gives an utterly touching performance in this film and I love how the character was developed. But Jordan carries this film and he is a great every man to center the story. Jordan is charismatic and sexy. He just the sort of guy worth rooting for.
Great film!