Rocky II

Rating: 6/10 (26 March 2011)

The first film was a huge success winning three Oscars, including Best Picture, and this first sequel in the series is supposedly the only one that can be recommended, directed by its star Sylvester Stallone. Basically the story continues where it left off, it seems that Rocky Balboa (Stallone) lost to World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) by a split decision made by the judges, and they both get treated for their injuries in the same hospital. Because he made so much money from the fight, Rocky gets married to Adrian (Talia Shire), buys an expensive sports car and a large new home, and starts filming some commercials to boost his fame a bit more, but failing to remember lines stops this happening. Embarraseed he starts working in a meat packing company along with Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young), while she goes back to her job in the pet store, while pregnant. He soon gets laid off and thinks he no longer has a future in boxing, announcing his apparent retirement, and starting a menial job helping his old trainer Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith) in his gym. Soon enough though Apollo sick and tired of taunts claiming that he didn't win fairly and that the fight was fixed is demanding a rematch to prove he is still the champion boxer to his opponent. Adrian is against Rocky going back in the ring, not just because he said he would stop, but because he gained an eye infection that doctors advised would get worse if he gets hit, damaging his eyesight, but fighting is all he can do. Lack of support from his wife affects Rocky, but he carries on, until after giving birth to their baby son Rocky Jr. when she falls into a coma, he stops training to stay by her side until she wakes. When she does wake, there is only one thing she wants her husband to do, win the fight against Apollo, and so continues the training, until it finally comes to the deciding match which he is determined to win this time. In the end, Adrian watching on TV while still recovering, and Mickey by his side to advise him, the fight begins and it seems he has got his spark back, he wins by knockout when they both fall, and he gets up a second before Apollo, becoming the new heavyweight champion of the world, and getting the gold belt. Also starring Tony Burton as Apollo's trainer Duke, Joe Spinell as Tony Gazzo, Sylvia Meals as Mary Anne Creed and Frank McRae as Meat Foreman. I should be saying that I assumed Rocky lost all his fights in the films, although saying that it explains a spoof I saw of Stallone on Bo! in the USA wore red gloves and a gold belt, so it was a good surprise for me. Anyway, Stallone still gives a credible performance, Shire is still good as his quite quiet wife, and Meredith is still fantastic with his Penguin style snarling or quacking and temper, there is another great montage with catchy music, and the fighting is gripping, the home life stuff's alright too, a worthwhile boxing drama sequel. Rocky Balboa was number 7 on 100 Years, 100 Heroes & Villains, and "Yo, Adrian." was number 80 on 100 Years, 100 Quotes. Good!