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.
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.
Video-Reviewmaster.com
March 21, 2009
Pretty good sequel, among several that followed, this time directed by Stallone.
Chicago Reader
December 19, 2006
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.
Taking what John G. Avildsen accomplished with the first film and then adding his own style, Stallone comes forward as an action visionary, with the fight scene a vast improvement when compared to the original.
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.
