Favorite Rocky Film? YES Best:? NO

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2006)

Do NOT read this review if you have not seen Rocky III. This is more for people who are considering re watching it after many years.
I don't think many people will argue that the original Rocky was the best made movie of the series. Keep in mind I have not seen Rocky Balboa yet so I am basing my opinion on Rocky 1 - 5.
I don't even care much for Sly but his role in Rocky I was perfect for him as he was completely believable as the semi bum Italian boxer who was tougher tan nails in the ring.
Rocky II was the movie everyone wanted because they wanted to see Rocky not just survive but WIN the championship.
Rocky III has the most entertainment value to me because we already know the characters, we know the love story, we know Apollo Creed, Pauly, and Mickey.
Rocky gets soft fighting has beens for easy money and starts to get a big head.
Mr T making his first appearance on the big screen played the role of the young hungry fighter perfectly IMO. He was strong, vicious, fought dirty, and wanted the championship more than anything else on earth. Rocky had sense lost the desire.
Micky tell Rocky he wont be a part of this fight because "This guy will knock you into tomorrow" as only the great Burgess Meredith could say it.
Rocky prepares lightly for the first fight with the mighty Clubber Lang and Mickey dies during the first fight after a mêlée ensues before the fight between the Rocky and Clubber Lang Camps.
Rocky gets destroyed by Clubber.
Rocky is depressed, feels like he has lost his meaning in life, and sees no hope. Apollo Creed comes to the rescue with the famous "Eye of the Tiger" speech and the popular pop song is played during the movie in place of the "working hard" to make it more distinctly feel like an 80s movie as compared to its predecessors.
As I am sure you know, Rocky wears Clubber Lang down in the rematch and knocks him out in the third round.
The reason this is my favorite is the combination of the fact that I already liked the characters, Apollo's character is expanded on, and this movie is almost all action. It starts off with scenes from the Rocky II Apollo Creed rematch and then goes to scenes of him fighting lesser fighters. In between it switches to Clubber Lang knocking out fighters in a much more vicious manner and moving up the ranks. Rocky III even throws ins a charity match between Rocky and Hulk Hogan as an exhibition between a wrestler and a boxer. After Apollo and Adrian (Yo Adrian) gets Rocky of of his funk, it quickly goes through Rocky getting the eye of the tiger back and then quickly moves to the rematch with Clubber Lang. I don't think there was anyone who saw this movie who had any doubt he would lose the rematch.
The ensuing Rocky IV and V were very bad especially 5. I recommend Rocky III as great fun one night for another viewing on DVD of course.
At this point, the initial reviews for Rocky Balboa (Rocky 6) are looking positive. I laughed when I heard it was made but I am know looking forward to hopefully the final chapter in the Rocky Saga.