The Complete Series Part One: Rocky (1976) Rocky 2 (1979) Rocky 3 (1982)

Hello all,

For the next batch of the complete series, I thought I’d tackle the much longer Rocky series of films. Since I’m limited for time because I also want to see Creed, I figured I’d tackle the reviews three films at a time. So how do the first three films hold up? Let’s find out together shall we?

Rocky Review

Plot Summary - Rocky is the story of amateur boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) who get’s offered a shot at the heavyweight championship of the world, currently held by Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers.) With help from his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) and the support of his love interest Adrian (Talia Shire) Rocky then prepares himself for his toughest fight yet.

Pros - Having never actually seen Rocky one in it’s entirety, it’s honestly a really good film, Just everything about it is amazing and that’s all I think I really need to say.

Cons - None.

Final Score - 10/10

Rocky II

Plot Summary - After the first fight with Apollo Creed ended conversely, Apollo manages to pull Rocky out of a retirement that find him struggling to make ends meet. With a kid on the way, Rocky pulls himself together for a rematch.

Pros - The cast is great,  the story is rock solid, and after kind of a shaky opening the film gets into high gear and even manages to make the reason for the rematch probably the most solid one.

Cons - The first thirty to forty minutes of the film is the standard the guy on top let’s the money get into his head and then he spends it all, and has to return to his roots blah blah blah and I find those boring.

Final Score - 9/10

Rocky III

Plot Summary - After losing his title, and with Mickey no longer in his corner, Rocky now turns to Apollo Creed to help him regain his title as Heavyweight Champion.

Pros - Again, the cast is great, the fights are well done, and the story for the most part is pretty good.

Cons - The first half of the film is basically a tweaked version of the guy on top having to redeem himself story, and even at an hour and forty minutes the plot feels a bit thin.

Final Score - 8/10

Apologies if these seem a bit rushed, I’m actually leaving in a bit to go see Trumbo, so expect another review later tonight.

Until then, I’ll see you folks at the movies.