334. Rocky 3; movie review

 

ROCKY 3

Cert 12A

100 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence

Haven't we seen this before?

Sure, Rocky 3 is engaging but certainly doesn't have as much to say as the original and already the franchise was beginning to feel stretched.

One of the problems is Mr T. As a one-dimensional comedy element of the A-Team he was fine but just taking that act to another arena is rather jarring.

Indeed, I was waiting for the plot to involve a plane and for him to be knocked out in order for it to take off.

Fortunately, the Rocky franchise maintains a bit of its charm during its third instalment, thanks to the blossoming friendship between our hero (Sylvester Stallone) and ex-champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

Once again, Rocky is on the cusp of retirement having maintained his position as champ against a few has-beens and never-will-bes.

However, waiting in the wings is the not-so-quiet Clubber Lang (Mr T) who demands a title showdown.

Adrian (Talia Shire) tries to persuade Rocky out of the fight as does his training Mickey (Burgess Meredith) because they fear he cannot beat the hard-hitting challenger.

And why should he take up the clash? After all, he is now the rich world champion with the palatial home which that brings.

Rocky 3 is where the franchise enters its soft rock phase with the introduction of its beloved theme tune, Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor.

And it also demonstrates Rocky's fallibility against bigger opponents - with the distraction of a charity bout against a wrestler (Hulk Hogan) as well as the inevitable beating by Lang.

Oh, and there is the strain of tragedy and the added dynamic of a young son at home as well as the lovey-dovey life with Adrian.

But it wouldn't be Rocky if he didn't have the final say!

Yes, Stallone's third instalment still has an edge despite great chunks of deja vu because of a tried and trusted template.

Reasons to watch: At least it still had an edge

Reasons to avoid: A sense of deja vu

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Morgan Freeman unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Clubber Lang's trainer.

The final word. Sylvester Stallone: "There’ll never be a Rocky IV. You gotta call a halt.” Slash Film

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