Bone-crushing sequel to the original smash

Rating: Null/10 (9 June 2000)

Where would we be with out the early ROCKY movies, eh? Is there a male on the planet who hasn't cheered when Rocky makes it up the steps in his training - punched the air when Rock delivers the first blow and the music starts - and gasped when that crushing blow sets the slow motion sequence. The first ROCKY thrilled us, and therefore the sequel had a lot to live up to. And unusually in the world of sequels, ROCKY II gives us what we thought couldn't be repeated.
It is the story of Rocky's retirement from boxing after the shock draw of his match with Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed. Creed wants a rematch to prove the first a fluke, Adrian (on the verge of parenthood) doesn't want Rocky fighting again - but no prizes for guessing who wins Rocky over!
Stallone is magical in this tailor-made role, and is opponent, played by Carl Weathers, delivers another powerful performance. The supporting cast are, as usual, on top form, especially Rocky's eccentric coach (Burgess Meredith). Musically, the sequel has allowed the film's themes to develop, and this is one of Bill Conti's finest moments, especially in the training sequence.
A blockbuster of a sequel, indeed of a franchise, although why couldn't they have stopped at 4..?!