Each episode of The Next Reel Film Podcast is a part of a series or collection of films brought together by time, idea, or contributor. Looking to build a great watchlist? You can’t go wrong with starting on a Next Reel Series.
Does Creed II stand up as a quality film or is it just another sequel? Did it make sense to bring back the Russians? Is this really Stallone’s last performance as the character Rocky Balboa? Tune in to this week’s show to get these answers and more.
Returning to the Rocky story without Rocky helming might sound like a big misstep, but with the guiding hands of Ryan Coogler, it was a huge success and breathed new life into the nearly 40-year-old franchise. Coogler’s “Creed” put a spin on the story that allowed for new characters to enter the frame while letting the established lead – Rocky Balboa – to take on the mantle of trainer.
Sixteen years after ‘Rocky V’ opened, the final final installment of the story of Rocky Balboa hit screens. Sylvester Stallone admitted to making the fifth for the money and wanted to really come back strong to finish it right this time. And he certainly does, giving his final entry as the franchise’s lead a great wrap-up.
Sylvester Stallone returned to his beloved Rocky series in 1990, fully intending to close it out with a story as powerful as the first one. He even got John G. Avildsen back to direct it. Unfortunately, the film was a weaker film, one that didn’t find much love from critics or audiences.
At the height of the Cold War, it seems fitting that Sylvester Stallone would find incredible success in his Rocky franchise by weaving a tale about his all-American boxer going up against a cold, almost-robotic Russian boxer. The film found tremendous success at the box office, becoming the highest grossing sports film ever, a record which it held for 24 years. But how well does it hold up today?
How well does this hold up compared to the first two? Does Mr. T’s Clubber Lang work as the antagonist? Does Stallone deliver with the characters and story? Tune in to this week’s show to get these answers and more.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Stallone’s 1979 film Rocky II.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our look into the films of the Rocky franchise with John G. Avildsen’s 1976 film Rocky.