I loved this when I saw it as a kid - thought the fight between Rocky and Hulk Hogan was one of the funniest sequences in Hollywood history. On rewatching it years down the track I wasn't as enamoured but it remains slick, enjoyable entertainment and indicative of Sylvester Stallone's considerable ability to put a new twist on an old twist.
It helps that he's come up with a decent story - Rocky gets cocky and lazy and it clobbered by a young boxer; his trainer dies, but Rocky gets his act together with the help of his former adversary. That's a strong basic plot - and the film has two other ace in the holes: the thumping rock anthem "Eye of the Tiger", used with brilliant effectiveness, and the star making performance of Mr T as Rocky's nemesis. Carl Weathers, Burt Young, Burgess Meredith (ham alert!) and Talia Shire all add their patented bits, as do the extras.
It's very 80s - check out Stallone's physique and hair, plus the music - but enjoyably so.
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