Why I hate sequels

Rating: Null/10 (24 December 2001)

The sequels (though at times entertaining) to this movie, along with the coterminous "Rambo" series, almost made this crtitcally acclaimed, truly great film a joke. They also nearly ruined the premise of this original, that of a middling fighter, albeit with voluminious heart, takes his one shot at glory and catches a much more talented man off gaurd. In the subsequent movies Balboa becomes a "great" boxer, and we lose one of the most endearing characters in film history. This egregious example confirms that sequels are self-serving and spoil the imagination of viewers of the orginal work.
The main reason that this work is so moving is the character development of the title character. From his inept attempts at loanshark enforcement and romance, to his moments alone in his seedy apartment staring in the mirror, talking to his pets, to the advice given to the young girl, we find this man of violence very appealing. His development (and pari passu transformation of Adrian-played brilliantly by Shire) culminates in the poignant moment when he reveals to Adrain that though he knows he cannot win, if he can just go the distance he'll know that he wasn't "just another bum from the neighborhood". And go the distance he does--in one of the greatest fight sequences ever made.
Other plusses: The inspiring theme song which swells perfectly as he accends the steps, the intersting love story, and the fabulous acting of Shire, Young, Weathers and Meredith.
A great film.