Serviceable sequel. A rare breed. A sequel that delivers.

Rating: 7/10 (23 April 2020)

Serviceable sequel to the original Rocky film that although shot three years later carries on immediately from the first 'Superfight' of that film that saw Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) as the underdog challenger lose narrowly to the world heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).
Sequel syndrome usually means they aren't quite as good as the original.
It is the case with Rocky II but you still have a darn entertaining film.
Of course the film culminates in 'Superfight II' and I won't spoil the result for anybody who hasn't seen the film!
The training montages usually are the highlight of any Rocky film and this doesn't disappoint.
I have an issue with the boxing choreography which when compared to other films of the genre looks poor. The punches clearly make no contact.
As for characters, I have an issue with the character of Paulie, Rocky's brother-in-law (Burt Young).
He seems to be in the background of far too many influential scenes and is a bit of a distraction to be fair.
Bill Conti returns for music score composition and his disco beats are uplifting especially in the training montages. "Gonna Fly Now" being a highlight.
Stallone writes and directs the film. You really believe he has the intelligence level of his Rocky character!
It's a hit from me overall despite my picky protestations.