Rocky II -- Movie Review

Описание: • Rocky II (1979) -- A bigger, better version of its predecessor, 10/10.

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~~ Script ~~
Following the massive success of the original, this $7-million dollar sports-drama was soon commissioned, with writer and star Sylvester Stallone taking over the reigns as director. Following its release in June of 1979, this sequel scored over $200 million at the box office.

Stallone once again penned an excellent script, which opens with a six-minute recap of the last film's ending, picking up the story immediately thereafter. Rocky is struggling with his post-fame life and sudden windfall of finances, while his boxing rival, Apollo Creed struggles with the embarrassment of his split-decision victory. The 119-minute film sees Stallone returning as the title character - a goofier and easier-going individual eager to start his post-boxing life. There's a certain beautiful defiance about him now... forgotten by the world, but determined to save his future. He still struggles for greatness without reaching desperation.

Girlfriend-turned wife Talia Shire is incredible in a role that allows her to really blossom and gain confidence - quietly asking her husband for one favor before his big match... "Win!". It's a sweet moment delivered with power and enthusiasm that wonderfully kicks off the remainder of the exciting PG-rated film. Burt Young and Burgess Meredith return as well with the former reduced to much smaller, inconsequential role while the latter gets a few key scenes to really shine as the cranky old manager.

Back to back training montages set the stage for the final fight, with the second montage featuring an awesome improved version of Rocky's famous run up the Art Museum steps... this time followed by hoards of adoring children. The tracking shot of Sly hitting Tom Cruise-like speeds and pulling away from this group of kids is a great moment that always gets me pumped for what comes next. Speaking of which, Rocky and Creed's big rematch is a more interesting and involved production than their first meeting. Not only are both characters more invested, the technical aspects of the climax are better handled. Devoting twice as much screentime to title-match allows for a more detailed account of who's in command during each round, with more precise cinematography and close-ups to really sell the drama. It reportedly took eights months to edit the scene to Stallone's satisfaction though.

"Rocky II" may not be a perfect film, but it may very well be the perfect sequel - it builds on the first installment while introducing new consequences and challenges for our hero - without ever abandoning its winning formula. The existing narrative threads are continued in an organic and believable way, opening up to larger problems and situations. In short, it successfully increases the stakes while staying faithful to the iconic characters. In a way, the accomplishments here are more impressive as a result - as Stallone succeeds in getting you to root for a character that isn't really an underdog anymore. Must-see viewing for all boxing fans, "Rocky II" is a bigger, better version of its predecessor - and an AMAZING film.
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