Rocky 3
Rocky is now the undefeated world champion following his bout with Apollo Creed. After a series of easy wins, he is called out by up and comer Clubber Lang to match him.
When he is easily beaten during the match, he is approached by Apollo himself to offer to coach him, and do a rematch.
Direction
Stallone himself directs this film in the series (as well as writes the screenplay), and gives us the best in terms of techniques used so far.
There is some incredible action sequences during the many matches seen throughout – it is the first Rocky film that feels like a boxing film. These are all terrifically choreographed, and are equal parts hilarious at times (the Thunderlips fight), and brutal (the Clubber Lane fights).
Aside from some fairly corny slow mo sequences during some of the training montages, I found this to be the best film so far from behind the camera.
Cast/Characters
All the key cast are back once again.
Stallone and Talia Shire are back as husband and wife Rocky and Adrian. Their growth really does feel likethey are a married couple having been together for sometime.
Burt Young is back again as Paulie. He gets more to do earlier in the film.
Carl Weathers is back as Apollo, this time joining forces with Rocky.
Burgess Meredith, making his final ‘current’ appearance as Mickey. Mickey passes away mid film, which leads to Apollo becoming Rocky’s trainer.
Mr T makes his acting debut as Clubber Lang, the film’s antagonist – even going as far as being antagonistic to Apollo. This is why the former world champ takes it upon himself to train Rocky.
Hulk Hogan plays a parody of himself early in the film as Thunderlips – who Rocky fights in a charity match.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Like #2 this film starts immediately when its predecessor finished. We then get a quick montage of the next year or so of Rocky and Adrian’s life – with him becoming a celebrity. They are now wealthy, living in a big house, the city of Philadelphia sees Rocky as their hero (giving him a statue), and Paulie becoming jealous – starts drinking heavily – jealous of what his friend has become.
I didn’t care for this subplot, and it went nowhere – ending abruptly as it started after Rocky gives Paulie a job.
Mr T’s antagonist is a tad too cartoonish, and is just an extension of Apollo’s antagonism from the first film. This took away from the more gritty realism of the first two films. It did however give us the famous “I pity the fool” catchphrase.
The relationships between characters and Rocky are really the heart of the film;
Paulie, who at the start of the film has fallen into a funk. He is jealous of Rocky’s fame, and financial success. This ends after Rocky and he have a heart to heart and Rocky gives him a job.
Mickey. This is strained quite significantly when Rocky discovers that Mickey has been setting up all his matches with opponents who are nowhere near on Rocky’s level. The promised fight between Clubber and Rocky, culminates with Mickey threatening to retire. They do manage to bury the hatchet before Mickey dies (just after the first fight with Clubber).
Apollo, and Rocky become close during the film having been almost enemies in the first two films. Mickey’s death sets up Apollo as coach, and some tough training. Apollo fights to get Rocky’s hunger back in order to beat Clubber in the rematch. The friendship between Rocky and Apollo (including the favour Apollo keeps asking for) is a clear sign their portrayers had a close friendship in real life.
Adrian. Rocky’s wife, and biggest supporter. Their relationship feels organic as they have now been together for some time, and both married with children. There is a very tender moment between them where he opens up about his worries and fears. I loved how much they have grown as a couple.
Who would think a 3rd movie would be so good!
Score/Soundtrack
A great sound track with the usual “We’re going to fly now” during the training montage, and the inclusion of “Eye of the tiger” which is included in the screenplay in how Apollo discribes Rocky.
Overall
A very good effort considering it was the third film in the franchise.
4.5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”