Synopsis:
When Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) struggles to provide for his new wife (Talia Shire) and son, he reconsiders engaging in a lucrative follow-up fight against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• Boxing
• Burgess Meredith Films
• Sylvester Stallone Films
• Talia Shire Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary writes that this sequel to Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar-winning 1976 blockbuster is “as shamelessly sentimental as both version of The Champ.” He points out that the “exciting final bout is, of course, the film’s highlight” (it purportedly took over eight months to edit to Stallone’s satisfaction):

… “what’s most interesting is the relationship between Rocky and Adrian… Although she still can’t bear to watch him fight, she becomes his partner (rare for a woman in a boxing film) and the person who gives him the necessary motivation to… make the most of his life.”

With that said, you’ll most definitely “have a hard time putting up with director-writer Stallone pulling your emotional strings by subjecting Adrian to a hemorrhage and lengthy deathbed stay, from which”

SPOILER

“she recovers because of Rocky’s prayers.”

Indeed, the flaws and limitations of Stallone’s writing style — not to mention his strong Christo-patriarchal leanings — are much more evident this time around, as he attempts to provide a framework for essentially re-offering the same movie with just a few twists; everything viewers loved about the first movie is brought back for a second run, including starting with its final fight scene. With that said, lovers of Rocky and his entourage will likely enjoy a chance to spend more time with them (and to experience his inevitable success after adversity), but it hasn’t held up well as an essential sequel on its own.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

• Bill Butler’s cinematography
  
• Good use, once again, of Philadelphia locales
  
• Bill Conti’s score

Must See?
No, but of course Rocky fans will want to check it out.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• TCM Article
• NY Times Original Review
• FilmSite Overview