Viewed in
2008
Premise
After losing his title to a hungry newcomer, Rocky and old nemesis Apollo Creed team up to find the 'Eye of the Tiger', which sounds like something Indiana Jones should be looking for.
Who should watch
Fans of the franchise. Mr. T fans.
Thoughts
Unfortunately, this movie was quite a drop off in quality compared to the first two.
Mr. T was perfect as the intimidating, ferocious challenger to Rocky's complacent reign. I liked the parallels that Rocky was now the Apollo Creed in the match up. Talia Shire finally got some juicy lines when her character gives Rocky a pep talk.
Unlike 'Rocky 2', the storytelling of the boxing matches made sense. I understood the strategy to change Rocky from a punching bag into a speedster, and I saw the results of that strategy.
But now that Rocky was rich and famous, I found it hard to emotionally connect to that once-lovable character. It was the same feeling as watching Lois Lane and Clark Kent get married in 'The Adventures of Lois and Clark'.
Add on to Rocky's often-parodied speaking style, every thing became campier. Even Mickey's retirement could not elicit much emotion out of me. I partially blame Bill Simmons for bashing the Apollo-Rocky training sequences, especially the unintentionally hilarious man-hug. Lastly, I was disappointed by Hulk Hogan's cameo. For such a charismatic person, he was stiff and boring.
Unless you really love Rocky or Mr. T, there was no need to see this movie.
What I would change
Put in more realistic complications for Rocky involving his fame. This was not the Rocky I know and love.
