Thursday, December 3, 2009

Rocky II

It took me a while to get into Rock II. Compared to the first film it seemed to lack heart and motivation. The vanity of Rocky leads to his downfall, so he ends up having to get a shit job. The personal story in all this wasn't really communicated. I just didn't care. There are a few heart warming scenes (like those that made the first film) but they are two few to count. It is most likely because Stallone was budding as a young director and hadn't had much experience in the craft.

The high point of the film is of course the end fight. I wouldn't say it is as vicious the first Rocky v. Apollo, but it was shot pretty cool. There is a priceless hit for hit slowmotion sequence that should be revisited on youtube if you can find it. They also an interesting thing for the end of the fight where Rocky and Apollo both fall down and the fight is won by who can get up first, instead of who gets knocked down.

Overall I would say this one did very little for me. Rocky IV's shitty 80's feel at least kept me entertained.

Trailer

2 comments:

  1. Man, I understand where you're coming from, but, I gotta say, I LOVE Rocky II. I dig how the relationship between Rocky and Apollo grows in this film, leading up to his mentoring role in 3 and the beginning of 4. Of course, you know the minute the flick begins that Sly's gonna come out on top this time, but it's a fun ride nonetheless.

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  2. I hear you on this one, but I still like it a lot, even though it's tough to be objective about the Rocky films since they are intimately bound with so much nostalgia. The last fight, especially that moment when they are both knocked down and have to make their way up, is brilliant.

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