Rocky II

Rocky II is perhaps the least talked about Rocky sequel, as it is the one that is technically another one right down to Rocky fighting the same exact opponent. The film really shouldn't have much to offer yet it works as a follow up the original even if it does not reinvent the wheel. It instead takes a mostly natural exploration into what it would be for Rocky to continue his life after that 15 minutes of fame, with the only conceit being that he's given a second chance even though he was all washed up in the original film. It's easy enough to forget that conceit as Stallone's first effort as a director as the character is an interesting one as it naturally evolves the characters rather than sending them back to square one as too many sequels do. We get more of Rocky and Adrian's relationship in a believable way, Rocky and Mickey continue their contentious friendship as one should expect, Rocky bungles his fame as he probably would. Interestingly enough it also once again realizes a stage in Stallone's career, seemingly accidentally this time, as Rocky's dumb commercials are pretty good representation of Stallone's less prestigious offerings post-Rocky. It works in these further explorations to the point that most of it doesn't feel at all repetitive. Now what's remarkable though is the two major repeats of the film, the fight and the montage, actually do work as Stallone successfully ups the ante in both. Now a whole crowd runs with Rocky up the steps in victory, perhaps a bit much, but hey it somehow works. The fight itself though is a major upgrade over the original fight as it gets in far greater detail of the match, and is captivating in is realization of every round. This doesn't reinvent the wheel of Rocky, boy if it isn't an enjoyable spin.
4/5