Rocky II (1979)

All Critics (24) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (7) | DVD (7)

Stallone and producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff know from experience audiences love to root for the underdog and have concocted an irresistible final 30 minutes.

March 26, 2009 Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

Sylvester Stallone's follow-up to his runaway success of 1976 is a little more threadbare in spots than the original, but it still has some conviction and spunk.

December 19, 2006 Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Stallone's performance as a Philadelphia saint in a B movie physique leaves you undecided whether to gag or sob, but the final fight sequences make up for it; a full-blooded Hollywood finale reaching giddy heights of cathartic glee.

February 9, 2006 Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Top Critic

Rocky II has a waxy feeling, and it never comes to life the way its predecessor did.

May 9, 2005 Full Review | Comments (2)

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Top Critic

Sly sequel is as predictable as a gym workout.

December 15, 2010 Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Pretty good sequel, among several that followed, this time directed by Stallone.

March 21, 2009

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Considerably less satisfying than the original Rocky, but head and shoulders above the later installments.

December 19, 2006 Full Review

TV Guide's Movie Guide

...can't help but come off as the most needless installment of the bunch...

December 6, 2006 Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

"Rocky II" represents far more than just a good-looking fight. It's all about trusting in yourself and overcoming fear in striving for greatness.

September 1, 2006 Full Review

Phil Villarreal

Arizona Daily Star

A very good sequel even though the result of the climactic Balboa vs. Creed rematch is pretty much a foregone conclusion. This is where the series should have ended.

February 18, 2006 Full Review | Comment (1)

Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

Rocky II is carried on the strong shoulders of Sylvester Stallone who puts in a stellar performance as a loving husband and a good friend.

January 27, 2004 Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

The best of the sequels. Explores the aftermath of Rocky's success.

September 9, 2003 | Comment (1)

Fred Topel

About.com

• 1. Rocky Balboa: Yo Adrian, I did it!
  – Submitted by Michael T (10 months ago)
• 1. Mickey: [after slapping Rocky in the face with his left hand] Now you didn't even see that comin', did ya? And that's comin' from a broken down punk like me. What... what do ya think the champ would do to ya?
  2. Rocky Balboa: Hurt me bad, I guess...
  3. Mickey: Na, he'd hurt ya permanent. Permanent!
  – Submitted by JC M (11 months ago)
• 1. Apollo's Trainer: He's all wrong for us, baby. I saw you beat that man like I saw no man get beat before and the man kept coming after you. Now we don't need that kind of man in our life. I know what you're feeling. Let it go.....let it go. You're the Champ.
  – Submitted by Nigel N (13 months ago)
• 1. Rocky Balboa: I never asked you to stop being a woman, so please don't ask me to stop being a man.
  – Submitted by William A (14 months ago)
• 1. Rocky Balboa: I feel like a Kentucky fried idiot.
  – Submitted by Hasan R (14 months ago)
• 1. Apollo Creed: Man, I won! But I didn't beat him!
  – Submitted by Rajni A (2 years ago)

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