A good continuation and strong character performances

Rating: 8/10 (26 September 2008)

Rocky II is a good continuation of the characters so strongly portrayed in the earlier film.Stallone seems completely at ease with his character to the point where its hard to imagine he's any different in real life.The cast all the return for this sequel and once again their strong performances lift the film above what should be its level.The main crux of the story is that Carl Weathers' Apollo Creed is out to regain his damaged pride and sets out to beat Rocky in a rematch in more style thus taking things more seriously this time round.Its hard not to root for old "Rocko" during the fight scenes and Rocky II cements the character as one of cinemas most lovable and endearing.The Rocky films that followed in the 80's and 90's steadily decreased in quality but Stallones interpretation of the character was always spot on.Rocky II is in my opinion, the 3rd best Rocky film behind Rocky Balboa (2006) and Rocky (1975)