Rocky III. 1982.
Rocky is now champion and facing different boxers, up and coming Clubber Lang announces he is the next challenger, Mickey throws him off saying the ones he fought are jobbers but this guy is the real deal. But when Rocky falls into a hole, Apollo helps Rocky lift his head and gets his edge back for a rematch with Clubber.
This is one of the best Rocky films in the series as it jumps in to seeing the fights in the opening credits and no slow moment montage and drag things out and we see two sets of training with Mickey and then in the gym where Apollo trained. Carl Weathers returns not as a enemy but as a Allie to Rocky and helps him get his edge back. Mr. T. stars as the ruthless Clubber who thinks the champ is a wimp and sets out to be the next champ.
The acting is getting better from all even the boxing looks more real and intense as it should be even with the camera work in the ring with the second match does make you feel you are in the ring and Paulie developing a good sense of humour when he is sober, and who didn't cry when Mickey died, Burgess Meredith made that character his own. Hearing the song Eye of the tiger does bring back memories of this film every time i hear it.
Rocky IV. 1985.
Rocky still the champ is asked to do a exhibition match with a Russian gold medallist, Apollo steps in and is killed, Rocky blames himself for his friend's death and decides he wants revenge. Accompanied by Paulie and Apollo's trainer Duke, they travel to Russia for a battle.
As like the previous film this jumps right in and doesn't become a slow burner, it may not be a classic but probably still watched more than the other Rocky films, there were rumours that Carl and Dolph didn't get along and threw real punches and Carl threatening to quit, but made their match entertaining although Apollo dies. Paulie develops some human emotions that makes you appreciate him then takes back the comment which makes it funny on how he says it. This one does has a decent soundtrack and James Brown singing a song in Apollo's intro to the fight with Drago.
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