Rocky II
Following directly from his loss to Apollo Creed in the World Heavy Weight Fight, Rocky Balboa becomes a local celebrity of ‘sorts’ – but struggling with certain aspects – returns to his ‘new normal’.
As his personal life only improves, now married to Adrien, and with a baby on the way – Apollo – an enraged Apollo – who is dealing with the aftermath of almost losing – sets out to have a rematch.
Direction
This time directed by Stallone himself, gives solid direction – this film feels a bit more brighter in appearance – but still favours a few moments in ‘dark’ tones – especially in the hospital scenes.
Cast/Characters
Returning are all the key players from the first film, Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burt Young, and Burgess Meredith.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Picking up directly as the previous film ends, this does feel like a natural progression of the characters with Rocky and Adrian getting married; Rocky now a minor celebrity goes through his winnings quickly (buying a house and fancy jewelry); Rocky becoming a failed celebrity, and having to go back to back breaking manual labour, and Adrian getting pregnant.
Creed becomes a little more antagonistic in this film, and his aggression at the news articles saying he fixed the fight infuriate him to the point he demands a rematch. It is almost comical at times watching him in the press scenes as he is so vicious in his diatribe, and Rocky is more nonchalant.
There is much more of Creed this time too, which is impressive in the physicality that Weathers put himself through, and progressive in that he is such a powerhouse figure – especially as a black man in 1979.
I much preferred the relationships in this film to the first too, especially with pairings such as Rocky and Mickey, Rocky and Adrian, and Paulie and everyone else. It all feels more mature, and relatable – and Adrian is written much more believable this time around being the spouse who doesn’t want her husband hurt.
Score/Soundtrack
The score is much more powerful this time as well, with moments of tenderness and worry such as when Adrian is in the Hospital/
The training montage is a little improved here too, and during the ‘Gonna fly now’ moment it felt much more inspirational and had the ‘he’s already won’ type feeling because of the love of his community and the support they have for him.
Overall
I really enjoyed this film, and felt it tried to emulate what the first film did, and delivered on all variables. The relationships between characters, and even the final 15m fight sequence in its brutality is amped up just a notch that it is a believable ‘second chapter’ in Rocky’s life.
A strong recommend.
4/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”