Depite a Premise Wearing Thin, "Rocky III" is a Champion.

Rating: 7/10 (11 March 2010)

I pity the fool that can't enjoy this movie. I sincerely do.
The third sequel in the ever-popular "Rocky" franchise, aptly titled "Rocky III," finds Sylvester Stallone yet again stepping up to the plate as the notorious Italian Stallion as well as behind the scenes as both writer and director. As with "Rocky II," the gang's all here with all the major players from the previous film in tow as well as a couple of memorable newcomers in Mr. T and Hulk Hogan.
Opening with a montage set to Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" (written specifically for use in the film) all of the necessary exposition one would need with this film is provided quickly enough so that the film can get underway with its quickly-paced, action packed and drama fueled plot. Following the events of the previous film, Rocky Balboa is riding high on success, raising his son and living the good life in the lush mansion he shares with his wife, Adrian. On the day he is rewarded with a statue erected in his honor and announces his retirement, he is challenged by a vicious newcomer, Clubber Lang (Mr. T), who quickly gives our hero a run for his money which in turn has him training with an unlikely new ally: Apollo Creed.
No doubt, the film is lacking some of the substance of the previous films, but three films into a franchise, it's only natural. Thankfully, "Rocky III" is entertaining enough that it doesn't wear out its welcome. From the colorful characters portrayed by both Mr. T and Hulk Hogan (who would each go on to become icons of the 80's in their own right) to the continuing saga of our main character and his newfound camaraderie with his previous enemy, there's enough juice in the film's tank to keep it running until the end. Fans of the original and even its sequel will notice a significant step-down in quality, yet, it's still a film that's hard not to enjoy.