Rocky II

It took me a while to get into Rock II. Compared to the first film it seemed to lack heart and motivation. The vanity of Rocky leads to his downfall, so he ends up having to get a shit job. The personal story in all this wasn't really communicated. I just didn't care. There are a few heart warming scenes (like those that made the first film) but they are two few to count. It is most likely because Stallone was budding as a young director and hadn't had much experience in the craft.

The high point of the film is of course the end fight. I wouldn't say it is as vicious the first Rocky v. Apollo, but it was shot pretty cool. There is a priceless hit for hit slowmotion sequence that should be revisited on youtube if you can find it. They also an interesting thing for the end of the fight where Rocky and Apollo both fall down and the fight is won by who can get up first, instead of who gets knocked down.

Overall I would say this one did very little for me. Rocky IV's shitty 80's feel at least kept me entertained.

Trailer

Rocky IV

So, my friends came over and saw my Rocky bluray boxset, then opted to "see what Rocky IV looked like." Of course this turned into watching the whole film. I have never been the biggest fan of IV, but the more I see it the more I warm up to it. Although, I will never come to terms with that goddamn robot...

The overall structure of the film is pretty amazing. Its like a huge montage with little 2 minute spots of drama to "push the story". The fights in this one are pretty damn good. In Drago VS Apollo the hits hurt. Every time Drago smashes Apollo's head you feel it in your bones. There is one point when Apollo's head is slammed into minced meat and sweat explodes off of his fro in slow motion. An excellent reason to see it on bluray.

Rather than focusing on the Rocky Vs Drago fight I am more impressed by the preparation for it. Here's some things you can do to get ready to fight a roided out Russia hard ass:

Travel to Siberia

Lift stones

Lift stones with a rope

Lift a cart filled with people, dead man style

Pull a cart like a horse

Lift a downed carriage

One armed push-ups

Shadow boxing under a rope

Out run Russian spys and make them crash in the snow

And RUN TO THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN!

In case you forgot...

Rocky

Just watched Rocky on bluray! Forgot how damn good of a movie it is. I will be moving through the Rocky Collection this month and posting some thoughts on the series as I do. I picked up the bluray collection and so far the transfers are looking excellent. In Rocky the HD shines when Rocky is jogging in the early morning and it literally shines off Carl Weathers' chest in the last fight.

Everyone has seen this movie so there is not much I can say. I don't remember it being so raw (it has been 8 years since I've seen it though) and I don't remember Paulie being so awkward about his sister's virginity. Other than that it was the same old ass kicking movie I saw when I was a kid. We shall see how the next five films do in comparison.

Favorite Lines:

Mickey: You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!

Rocky: Don't smoke that. It makes your breath like garbage.

Rocky: I think we make a real sharp couple of coconuts - I'm dumb, you're shy, whaddaya think, huh?