Rematch of the century

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2013)

After the success of Rocky" Stallone tried to establish himself as a serious drama actor . Unfortunately , neither "F.I.S.T." (which I saw and I think is nice) or "Paradise alley" came close to the success of Avildsen's movie. Stallone was kinda forced to return to Balboa , if he didn't want his career to end.
It's hard to think something new in the movie about boxing . "Rocky 2" certainly lacks the freshness of original and feels like a copy . Once again Rocky has trouble in everyday life , there is training montage (hell , TWO training montages) and epic fight at the end. The movie does gets too sappy at times . The movie doesn't have anything to add to characters audience already met.
It doesn't mean that it's a bad movie . "Rocky 2" feels very realistic in terms of story . Loosing hard earned money , failing into obscurity, becoming a sell out – those a serious real life problems that do feel important here. Stallone is director here and he handles some of the dramatic scenes really well ( for example Balboa talking with Mick about going back). The training scenes feel inspirational and the main fight is exciting. There are some good dialogues here and jokes (the talk in the church about condominium).
"Rocky 2" doesn't comes close to the first movie. It isn't that well made and it's not that deep. It doesn't feel inspired . Still, it's a solid craftsmanship and a good sequel overall. I give it 7/10.