Rocky II (1979) Review in 2025
Rocky II is a sports drama film that follows the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia, as he gets a chance to fight for the heavyweight championship title again.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of the Rocky franchise and sports dramas. It's a classic film that holds up well even today, and its themes of perseverance and determination are inspiring and relatable.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
Rocky II is a sequel to the 1976 film Rocky, where Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) gets a chance to fight Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) again after their intense first fight. This time, Rocky is more determined and trained, but Apollo is not taking him lightly. The film explores Rocky's personal struggles, his relationship with Adrian (Talia Shire), and his desire to prove himself as a boxer.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative that explores Rocky's personal struggles and his desire to prove himself as a boxer. The film's themes of perseverance and determination are inspiring and relatable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Sylvester Stallone delivering a standout performance as Rocky. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Talia Shire and Carl Weathers delivering memorable performances.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Rocky being a particularly compelling protagonist. His relationship with Adrian is sweet and genuine, and the supporting cast is equally impressive.
direction8.50/10
The direction is solid, with a clear vision and a good understanding of the story and characters. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action, drama, and comedy.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a clear and concise visual style that captures the gritty and realistic tone of the film. The use of lighting and camera angles is impressive, and the film's score is equally effective.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's engaging story, well-developed characters, and excellent cinematography make it a standout in the Rocky franchise. The acting is superb, and the film's themes are inspiring and relatable.
Cons
The film's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
Notable Quotes
"If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change."
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
