Not as good as the first but still a good boxing movie. The rematch is great and that ending is fantastic. It did need more punching frozen meats though.

I watched this one the least growing up..but watching it as an adult was incredible.. better than the first in many ways...tons of heart

The rematch lowers the bar.

_Rocky II_ may not quite reach the same level of the original film, but it's still a worthy watch for fans of the Rocky series. It continues the story of the iconic boxer, offering a satisfying continuation of his journey. While it doesn't have the same novelty as the first, it has its own merits and adds depth to the character of Rocky Balboa.

A quality follow up to a movie that did not really need a sequel. While it did a good job making it seem like one cohesive story between films I and II, this plot is a bit less exciting than the first. Still a very good film and I am happy I finally got around to it!

Rating: 3.5/5 - 8/10 - Would Recommend

Much better film than the first one. Rocky was boring in many parts and dragged on but the sequel is fast paced all the way through.

Rocky 7/10.
Rocky II 10/10.

A definite step down from the first. The set-up starts strong, feeling a bit more slice of life in terms of exploring Rocky's life and struggles after "retirement". Rocky being terrible at finances, driving, and acting all fit perfectly with the character and add some fantastic humor. But once the movie starts driving toward the rematch things don't work nearly as well. The emotional ups and downs feel rushed and superficial, with the final rematch feeling far more Hollywood than the original film. On top of that, boxing just doesn't offer all that much variety in terms of visuals, so even though this is only the second in a nine-film series, the actual fight sequences are already feeling overly familiar and less-than compelling.

Amazing sequel it was emotional and awesome

My favorite entry in the Rocky franchise.

Think of this as Quantum of Solace to Casino Royale... It works best if you watch them both as an extended cut.

Taken on its own it's a slumbering rather empty sequel, with some redemption at the end.

Unlike the blisteringly real original film, this one suffers from not enough depth being put into the characters.

*spoiler*
Rocky admirably won't fight because Adrian and the doctors say not to - until he chooses to. Then trains weakly. Then Adrian wakes and says 'win' - what changed in the five seconds before the coma and not...
*spoiler*

We have a weak example of money being squandered on those who don't know enough to use it wisely. But the display of Rocky breaking his back at the meat factory is very well done.

Anyway, it's an essential building block into the franchise. It proves Rocky isn't an idiot and his slow drawl is merely worsened by his inability to read.

(I have a predisposition now with the seemingly cultured Rocky of 3 and 4 being out of character and I wish to dispel or explain that as plausible)

Rocky II delivers a knockout punch as a riveting drama that surpasses the original. Writer/director Sylvester Stallone has crafted a smart, compelling sequel that captures the spirit of the first film while taking the story in a new and interesting direction. Yet, in a lot of ways it’s the same story as the original, but with some nice twists and reversals: riches-to-rags Rocky Balboa is given one last chance at the world heavyweight boxing championship by Apollo Creed (who himself needs to be redeemed as the undisputed champion). This Rocky installment is very cinematic with some impressively well-crafted fight sequences and training montages: such as the iconic scene of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art with hundreds of fans following him. Rocky II takes the series to the next level and is a classic film in its own right.

You never stop rooting for Rocky.

The first "Rocky" sequel is essentially the same story as in the predecessor, but with a different ending and a noticeably larger budget. This works once more, especially the training montage as well as the final fight benefit from the increased budget. There's also more Carl Weathers, which is definitely a plus in my eyes. However, there are also a few negative developments. Rocky somehow seems dumber and less good-natured in the sequel. Meanwhile, Paulie becomes increasingly obnoxious with each film, and I don't even want to talk about the coma subplot. In the end, however, the audience still leaves the film with a very positive feeling, especially because the final fight is staged in perfect WWE style.