Rocky II Review

Rocky II (1979) is the first sequel in this long-running theatrical series. The original Rocky left off at the end of the heavyweight championship match between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.

Rocky II picks up exactly where Rocky left off. After the fateful match, each boxer is rushed to the hospital, where Creed tries to push for a re-match with Rocky. Rocky is in no hurry to accept this challenge. In fact, he announces that he will retire from the boxing world altogether.

Taking advantage of his newfound fame, Rocky tries to make a living in the commercial business. Unfortunately, the naïve Rocky is unable to cater to the demands of the directors. He tries to get a desk job, but no one is willing to hire him due to his lack of educational and experiential qualifications. He tries his hand at manual labor, but is laid off shortly after.

Rocky is unable to provide for his family and keep finances in order. Having blown all his money on a new home, car, and jewelry, a pregnant Adrian offers to take her old job.

A distressed and very pregnant Adrian is rushed to the hospital where she gives birth to Rocky's child, and goes into a coma.

Meanwhile, Apollo is ruthless in pursuing a re-match with Rocky, who realizes that fighting is his only real passion. Rocky accepts, and the training begins. However, Rocky is unable to focus and put any heart into his preparation.

Rocky spends most of his time at the bedside of Adrian. Finally when she regains consciousness, Rocky summons the courage to continue his training in earnest.

The re-match between Apollo and Rocky is another close matchup. Rocky seems outmatched in early rounds, but he comes back to prove that he is the true heavyweight champion.

In this day and age it's hard to find good sequels, but this movie is actually really well put together. In fact, I might go so far as to say the first movie doesn't seem quite as complete without this film.