Rocky II

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"Superfight II" Delivers a Wallop, 2008-10-15
Though a step down from the 1976 Oscar winner, "Rocky II" fares better than most Hollywood sequels. Calling the directorial shots, Sylvester Stallone gets a bit carried away with montages and could have used some judicious editing (the Adrian hospital vigil goes on forever). However, the Rocky-Apollo rematch is a genuine crowd-pleaser - excitingly filmed and more brutal than the original. Burgess Meredith chews the scenery with gusto as Rocky's crusty manager. Classic dialogue: "You're a greasy fast, 200-pound Italian tank! Go through him! Run over him!"

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Doesn't pack the same punch as the original, 2008-09-23
For me, the part where Rocky II failed were the Adrian scenes. I loved the new developments in Adrian and Rocky's relationship, through the not-so-romantic proposal (my heart still melted though) to their son being born (more about him later.) br / br /I won't ruin the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it, but there's a whole chunk of the movie where Adrian doesn't do anything. Therefore, Rocky doesn't do anything. The whole sequence was overly long, and could have been cut down a bit. br / br /Rocky II follows straight on from the first one. With an overly long flashback to the end fight of the last one. Which may work if you haven't seen the first one in a while, and be needing of a gentle reminder, but I saw these a week apart! br / br /There's nothing different between this an the original, Rocky Apollo Creed are fighting again, we've met all the characters already, and Adrian Rocky's relationship develops quickly. Adrian gives birth to a gorgeous baby boy, with a head of black hair, which instantly made my womb (that is on the list!) skip a beat. He is so gorgeous! It's pretty much an uplifting story, with Rocky going through a character arc, and struggling with what happens in the weeks/months after the fight. He goes on a small shopping spree, fast cars, nice coat for the wife, nice coat for himself and a luxury apartment that they can't really afford. But the money doesn't last long - not with the rate he spent it - and he finds himself running broke, and itching to fight again. br / br /So far, I've seen Rocky I, II, III, IV (the latter of which I nearly forgot about!) and Rocky Balboa. This is definitely the weakest in my opinion. But mainly because of the scenes with Adrian. Otherwise it's good fun.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.5, 2008-06-12
The second installment in the Rocky series doesn't deviate much from the successful formula of the first(indeed the structure of the script reads more or less the same). Picking up on the heels of the first film, Rocky II finds its lovable protagonist trying to settle down and make a name for himself outside the ring. br /While there aren't any surprises (and the effective camera work of the first is sorely missed), Stallone has effectively recreated the characters and atmosphere of Rocky. Unlike the numerous sequels, this picture is very assured. With a run-time of 119 minutes and most the action packed into the last 25 minutes of the movie, Stallone goes a great distance in an effort to involve the audience. There are a few clumsy scenes at the beginning, but for the most part he succeeds. This is due, in part, to fine supporting work from Burgess Meredith(excellent as the trainer) and Carl Weather(returning as the serious champion).

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The Sequel Without Surprise, 2008-01-10
This movie could not have been anything different, but it could have been executed better. If you loved the first Rocky, you will probably find some enjoyment here, but not much else. It is excruciatingly predictable. Even if the characters are still a joy to watch. br / br /This series died with the first Rocky. Not that I am a purist, but the story was summed up and realized in the first. This was supposed to be a story about personal triumph, not about winning. This is just capitalization. One can not stay mad too long, even after the films ridiculous opening sequences, as Apollo's bombast and newly threatening character does not allow for it. br / br /Again, excellent character actors, but that does not fix this mistake of a sequel. The story is drawn out, overly simplistic and irritating. After the first ten minutes you just want to witness the actual fight. br / br /There is a reason why Apollo did not want a rematch, folks. br / br /Get it discount. br / br /

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

ROCKY'S BACK (FIRST BUT NOT LAST COMEBACK), 2007-11-10
1979. Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. For once, a sequel which is almost as good as the original movie. Even the scenes in the church and the hospital are touching in their naivete. For you and your children.