Rocky II

If you do the same thing twice, you may not get the same result. In the first one, everything worked, from the basic human emotions to a motivational boxing formula with a disarming ending. In the second one, however, we're more or less only eating nostalgia, with the main characters trying to be even more likeable, and the final fight, where Sly gives a really good performance. It's still a genre classic, but if it weren't for the first film, the Italian Stallion would hardly have gathered so many loyal fans, whether from the ranks of ordinary viewers or film critics. (19.02.2016)

Less psychology, more superficial emotions. Sylvester Stallone builds on the solid foundations he laid down in the first instalment and switches to a pure genre formula – more forceful expression of the emotions of Rocky’s love affair, as well as the rivalry with the opponent in the ring. The boxing climax is more spectacular and emotional than in the first Rocky (but the first part did not need to base as much on it). Rocky II is a solid sequel that retains its creator’s touch, but it does not leave as strong an impression as the original. (20.11.2009)

Nowadays a Rocky sequel would have absolutely no chance of success and would most likely get lost in the landfill of film history faster than we could say “horse”. But the date of release really plays the biggest role in this case, and it's no wonder that the second installment of the boxer with a heart full of the American dream received enthusiastic ovations. Different times, that's the key characterization of this whole thing. This story full of clichés, artificially hyped scenes, shallow main characters, and basic feedback to the audience just had a different impact years ago. When watching Rocky, you get a strange feeling, it's not just the style of filming (no digital camera, no fast cuts, no rawness, no digital effects), it's rather the core of the retro elements, whether it's older cars, buildings, shops, neighborhoods, clothing, or the key final fight itself, there's simply a magic of old age. Different times, different world, and if you haven’t experienced it, you will look at it completely differently. Simply put, it's heavyweight nostalgia with all its trimmings. (27.04.2007)

It was a late April evening, the weather was gloomy and rainy, with no sign of improvement for the next 24 hours. So, I decided to lift my spirits by diving into the Rocky series. Rocky II was the perfect choice—a melancholic, somber film that matched the mood of the night. Rocky Balboa comes across as a real underdog here. Life isn’t treating him kindly after the first movie, and he’s doing his best, staying humble and determined—just our guy, Rocky. Then, after taking a beating from Apollo in the opening, the rematch is just as brutal, and you can’t help but feel that this is the Rocky you’ve always rooted for. (07.05.2021)

I like the second Rocky as much as the previous one, in some ways even a little bit more. But the main advantage remains the same - a hero who is definitely not a great thinker, more like a big simple guy, but who means well and you can't help but keep your fingers crossed for him. In Rocky II, you can see that the filmmakers had a bigger budget, so it's not so "TV-like" (not that I minded it last time) and the fight is very believable compared to the last one - you can see and hear Balboa and Creed fighting, you can feel the tension... A year later came Raging Bull and I would almost say that Martin Scorsese was a bit inspired here. (02.01.2016)