Rocky II Review
Released in 1979, Rocky II arguably represents the beginning of '80s film. The original Rocky was a welcome turn from the nihilistic storylines that dominated early and mid-'70s American films. Sure, Rocky does not have such a fairy tale life that he wins the title, but he does accomplish his dream to go the distance with the champ, and he gets the woman of his (realistically modest) dreams. The film's first sequel represents Stallone's abandonment of personal cinema and his acceptance of what would become '80s rah-rah, boom-boom blockbuster cinema. While the first two thirds of the film expand on the characters of Rocky and Apollo, recognizable human emotions disappear during the hyper-dramatic final fight. It is in the character of Adrian that one can see the death of Stallone the artist and the birth of Stallone the superstar. Adrian's love for Rocky proves to be selfless. Only when she believes in him without reservation does he find the fortitude to defeat Apollo. This is exactly the relationship Stallone wanted with his audience. He wanted to be more than a standup guy with some talent; he wanted to be a larger-than-life hero who is adored for being a courageous warrior. Rocky was about a man who lived up to his potential. Rocky II is about an idealized hero. For good or ill, Stallone stopped being one of the common men and became an icon. He would never fully shed that screen persona. Perry Seibert, Rovi
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