The Best of the lot

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2003)

Definitely one of the classics, Rocky 2 is one of the most inspirational films I have ever seen. Sylvester Stallone is at his best in the Rocky series, no one could have acted out the character of Rocky Balboa any better.

If Rocky Balboa `shocked the world' in the first film, surely he couldn't do it again??? Not surprisingly, the way this film builds up to the big rematch between Balboa and Apollo Creed is incredible. The odds were stacked against Balboa in the last match against Creed, and this time those odds have doubled. Against doctor's advice (amongst other things), Balboa decides he needs one last shot at the one thing that has eluded him all his life - success.
Carl Weathers does a fantastic job of making Apollo Creed look like he is unbeatable, and Burgess Meredith is incredibly convincing in his role as Rocky's trainer. Needless to say, the acting as a whole in this film is incredible.
The thing that really does it for me in these films (especially the first two) is the story of the underdog. A man who has nothing, suddenly has the chance to gain everything. It is truly a story about a million to one shot.
The training scenes are brilliant, and like the other films in this series the music is fantastic.
I feel that the inspiration comes from the strong message sent out in this film - no matter what the odds are, as long as you have heart and desire you can win.
So I would advise anyone to watch this film, as there is something there for everyone.
Go for it Rock!