ROCKY II (1979) -- Afterthoughts by Mike

[@justintorres502]

I love that you highlighted the moment in the hospital between Rock and Apollo. It's one of my favorite scenes ever, it tells you so much about those 2 men while saying so little. Brilliant.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Agreed 100%. (:

[@geraldherrmann787]

I´m 62 years old, artist from Salzburg/Austria. I´ve seen these movies when they came out and dozens of times eversince ... but I´m still crying with you at the very same scenes. But just wait for 6! 🙃

[@BossMovieReactions]

That's awesome, Gerald. Thanks for sharing! (:

[@AfternoonDaydream8809]

You sir are amazing and your wife too. You both are such great reactors that even if I don’t like a movie you both react to I still will watch and still enjoy just cause of your enthusiasm and authenticity. Keep it up Mike

[@BossMovieReactions]

Aw, thank you, Sir, we appreciate your kind words! We're happy to have you on our movie journey! Cheers! (:

[@devnexen]

One of the (numerous) key components of why I love this one is how you can relate to his life (seems a bit of Sly personal experience in it), he truly struggles to find a job in a realistic way, losing hope, slowly going down. But then, the writing strikes a balance of this despair and then building the character up, in the right moment, that s how we cry when he wins in the end ; even if you know the ending already, you still get emotional :)

[@BossMovieReactions]

Yes, I think you nailed it. The writing is brilliant, and we become part of his struggle and then his success later on. I think screenwriters should study these Rocky movies! Thanks for your support! (:

[@gingerbreadman1969]

I never really considered that moment when Rocky starts working on his reading after getting humiliated in the commercial job. I would add you see him then practicing in front of his wife, struggles and all with the reading. His wife, whose opinion matters to him more than anybody else's in the world. I think that was a triple stroke of Genius because it shows how he immediately tries to better himself, his humility and the trust and intimacy that he and Adrian have. Great observation Mike. 😎👍❤️

[@BossMovieReactions]

Hello GBM, yes, you nailed it. I agree with all that, you said it better than I did. See ya for R3!! Editing as we speak! (:

[@gingerbreadman1969]

@@BossMovieReactions Oh awesome, I know you guys enjoyed that one, lots of action! 😎 (And Mike.. careful around traffic when you're walking and summarizing, those cell phones are a killer, as a truck driver I see it all too often) 🫣

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@gingerbreadman1969 Thanks for the warning, I do need to be careful. It's not a busy street, just the neighborhood, but we still have cars... (:

[@funkspinna]

Love this "Afterthought" segment. Can't wait until you watch Rocky 3!

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you!! I'm currently editing R3, so stay tuned! (:

[@jamesdamiano8894]

Great after thoughts as usual. I really liked the props the wife gave to Burgess Meridith’s acting. He had a long career and although it’s a fun performance, a lot of people only really knew him as The Penguin in the old Batman tv series. He was in one of the most iconic Twilight Zone episodes you may want to check out in your own time. It’s a good one.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you, James! (:

[@philipstoddard1502]

I enjoy your afterthoughts almost as much as your reactions during your watching the film. You just confirm that you actually appreciate exactly what appears during the reaction. Tempering your expectation is a good way to approach the remaining Rocky movies. While the rest are worth watching, 3, 4 and Rocky Balboa are one tier under 1 & 2. 5 is two tiers down. On the other hand, Creed 1 rivals the heart of R1 & R2. IMO The question of how Stallone was inspired to write Rocky, I think it's a bit self-evident that Stallone's disappointments and difficulties in his life inspire the setting and Stallone's personality and outlook inform Rocky's character. An interesting thing about the presentation, I'd attribute to Kurt Gowdy. He was a producer for The Wide World of Sports in the 60s and 70s. In order to promote viewership, particularly with women, Kurt realized they had to present more than sports action to make people care about the athletes. By telling the backstory of the individual competitors, they made people who never saw a sport before care about who won. So, when The Wide World of Sports came on and you heard "...the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat", you felt the thrill or the agony more personally. It wasn't lost on Stallone and he used it perfectly in his movies. We've been spoiled on these watch alongs so I'll temper my expectations and look forward to a good time and shared sorrows in the subsequent Rocky movies. And definitely plan on at least the first two Creed movies.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you for your thoughts on all that, I appreciate it! (:

[@Dougwarren69]

Hey there Mike the Big Boss man...I haven't commented in a while but not to worry, I am always lurking in the background 😉. Loved your reaction to this one, as I did the first one. You two were so hyped and into it, frankly it made a lackluster day for me quite a bit better. And your recap here was excellent as usual. In my humble opinion, Rocky's 1, 2 and 3 are the holy Trinity of the series, if you will. Something happens in number four that turned me completely off and I was done from there. But I will say this, don't miss number three! #MrT See you guys on the next one...stay just the way you are!✌️🎬

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you so much, Doug, we appreciate your encouraging words. I'm currently editing R3, so stay tuned! (:

[@Dougwarren69]

@@BossMovieReactions Oh wow... So then you know! 😭 See you then. Ps, a big hello to your lovely partner in crime. 👋

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@Dougwarren69 YES!! 😢😭😭

[@tomharrison6607]

another reason i loved the rocky movies is that both apollo and rocky are both virtuous

[@BossMovieReactions]

Exactly! (:

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

It strikes me how the Rocky franchise mirrored Stallone's life. From obscurity, he went on to write & star, then direct the Rocky films., achieving fame & fortune... This is a Hollywood Cinderella story like no other. His brother Frank wrote & sang acapella in Rocky 1. Stallone even made a star of Butkus his own mastiff dog.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Yes, it's a great story behind the scenes as well. Love it. Stay tuned for R3. (:

[@miamicool666]

Thank you very much for these beautiful tearful fights between you and Rocky. 🫶

[@BossMovieReactions]

My pleasure! Always good to "see" you here! (:

[@miamicool666]

@@BossMovieReactions Kind of you, and for us to follow you with pleasure! :)

[@milesjergens9088]

Copied and pasted my comment from the main reaction: Love the reaction, thank you! This was the first Rocky movie I saw in the theater. Place was jam-packed and being before the days of the Internet and without spoilers, none of us knew anything about it, especially the incredible ending. It was a surreal experience -- all of us in the sold-out theater were standing and screaming during the fight, just like we were at the bout in person. At the end of Rocky's post fight speech, everyone cheered, clapped and, yes, cried. Oh, for those days again... P.S. Apollo -- actually my favorite character in the entire series -- while the antagonist in these first two films, was never the villain. While Rocky was his opponent, by this time in his storied career, his fight was against his inner self. He had the rematch won, easily, but it was more important to him to finish it his way. Those familiar with this best-ever series of films know this remains the case with Apollo going forward... RIP, Carl Weathers. You were spectacular (in. Predator, as well).

[@BossMovieReactions]

Same: Thanks for sharing your thoughts, very interesting. Your experience at the theater must have been incredible. And I agree with what you've said about Apollo. Good stuff! R3 is coming! (:

[@gsquat]

You are going to LOVE 3, 4, and Rocky Balboa. They might have saved the best for last.

[@BossMovieReactions]

We LOVED R3, still editing. (:

[@gsquat]

@@BossMovieReactions Excited!!!

[@marlainalindsey3279]

Sylvester Stallone is actually brilliant ❤❤these movies have so much heart I cry every time ❤❤

[@BossMovieReactions]

Yes, they are SOOOO good I can't believe it. Yes, so much heart!! See you soon for R3. (:

[@DerekSansone]

U react emotionally "where you're supposed to." U definitely "get" Rocky & great to see (from you & your wonderful wife). I like that you're seeing 2 sides of Apollo & what a great character he is. There's more to him than "just the guy Rocky is fighting" (which is what an audience could expect going into Rocky 1 & 2). Above all, Rocky is a love story & a story of the fight we all face in different ways. Rocky is a story about life (ups, downs, challenges, & how we face them). I also like that you're speaking to "manhood" & "masculinity." Of course, I'm not by your commentary (why I'm a viewer, frequent commenter, subscriber & fan of the 2 of you). I enjoy your "post commentaries" after you've gotten your thoughts together a bit more.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Hi Derek, thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, I appreciate it. Also, thanks for your kind words and thanks for subscribing! You're awesome! (:

[@maryhughes6372]

Great after thoughts. Thank you. There was another scene that you missed. It was played after the credits. Luckily they will reshow that scene at the beginning of Rocky 3 as part of the recap.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you, Mary. Hmm... I just checked my R2 video file, and there was no other scene after the credits. But if we'll see it in R3, then it's all good. Cheers! (:

[@maryhughes6372]

@@BossMovieReactions I’m sorry. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s the beginning of Rocky 3.

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@maryhughes6372 👍

[@NotinMyBudget]

Excellent analysis as always! I have a heart similar to yours.

[@BossMovieReactions]

That's great to hear. THANK YOU!! (:

[@allauricia1985]

I was around when Stallone made his appearance in American society Having seen all of the Rocky movies many times and I should mention all of the Rambo films as well It all makes a person think Both Rocky and Rambo are the stylization of characters who are the epitome of American Propaganda I love all his films I think he is great and is truly the story of hard work pays off in America But because his message is so strong and obvious combined with how Stallone basically appears from nowhere in Hollywood terms Was there more to it all and …

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very interesting. "See" you soon for R3. (:

[@kevinb2844]

When I watch reaction to Rocky videos…Look for the incredible emotional and inspiring Win-and training montage scene…and appreciate the true and genuine emotions you showed watching that scene…the going the distance instrumental music is truly the Rocky theme…It really goes to a person’s inspirational soul… appreciated your vulnerable reaction…. so many reactions really don’t convey that…

[@BossMovieReactions]

We're very happy to hear that! Thank you, Kevin, we appreciate your encouraging words! (:

[@tonytemporao]

I personally think #3 is the best of a very good run of movies.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Yeah, #3 was awesome as well. I'm currently editing R3. Stay tuned! (:

[@realitycheck5376]

The kids running with Rocky were not paid. It just happened because the neighborhood knew they were filming a Rocky sequel. The local kids just started running with Stallone and it just made the whole scene that much more powerful than when he ran up the stairs just by himself in the first movie.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Yeah, I can imagine this to be accurate. Wikipedia mentions that an estimated 800 schoolchildren were used as extras in the scene in which Rocky runs through Philadelphia. And you're right, it doesn't say anything about them being paid. I guess I should've said they "used" 800 kids rather than "hired." Thanks for watching! (:

[@realitycheck5376]

@@BossMovieReactions Thank you. Yeah, why pay them if they want to come by themselves? Lol. Great reaction BTW.

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@realitycheck5376 Haha, yeah, exactly. But the nice thing is that back then people seemed to be excited to be part of a movie, nowadays the first thing they ask is how much money they get, etc. LOL. -- I just got back from recording my "Afterthoughts" video for R3. "See" ya soon! (:

[@realitycheck5376]

@@BossMovieReactions Yes exactly. Yeah, I need to see the reaction first. I didn't know you did it that quick. I will be there for both. 😄

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@realitycheck5376 See ya Saturday then! (:

[@70lonebear]

Thank you for your thoughts.

[@BossMovieReactions]

My pleasure! And have a great weekend! (:

[@tomharrison6607]

you get emotional at the same scenes i do if those scenes don't move you nothing will the music really adds to it

[@BossMovieReactions]

Hi Tom, it's great to hear that we share some common emotional bond! (:

[@AlexandruFlorea1990]

Another awesome reaction guys ❤ I forgot to say this in my last comment but I hope you're going to react to the first 2 Creed movies, and to answer the question of what's my favorite Rocky movie I'm afraid I can't answer because at least for me that's like asking a parent what's his favorite child 😊

[@BossMovieReactions]

Haha, thanks, Alex. Good answer. R1-R6 is definitely happening, but I'm not sure yet about Creed, but your comment about it is noted! (:

[@AlexandruFlorea1990]

@@BossMovieReactions I really hope you'll react to both of them and see Rocky as a mentor for an entire generation of young adults trying to find their way through life.

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@AlexandruFlorea1990 Noted! 👍

[@Jon-o1q7z]

👍👊👊

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thanks, buddy! (:

[@Jon-o1q7z]

Mike hope you’re well was wondering if you can put a movie on your list to watch with Jessica two Bernie Mac films Mr 3000(2004) and Guess Who (2005)

[@BossMovieReactions]

Hi Jonathan, yep, I added both movies to our list. Thx! (:

[@Jon-o1q7z]

Thank you much man. And also side note are you aware that there’s a spin-off movie franchise to the Rocky movies (no spoilers) will you be covering those as well just curious

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@Jon-o1q7z I assume you're talking about CREED, right? I'm aware of it, but we're undecided. Are they any good? Do you think it's worth it, or do they become rather silly? (:

[@Jon-o1q7z]

@@BossMovieReactionsI wouldn’t say so no they are pretty intense and have heart. It’s all up to you and Jessica tho of course. They are good films

[@BossMovieReactions]

@@Jon-o1q7z Good to know. Thanks. (:

[@ice-iu3vv]

i'm less enamored with this one than most other viewers are. i just found it predictable in so many ways. of course there needs to be a rematch in order to have a sequel, and of course he needs to win this time for the viewers who are desperate for a happy ending. of course adrian wants him to retire, so there needs to be a way that plays out and he gets her blessing. of course he will look into other career fields, and of course (for the movies' sake) he will not find success in those fields. other points , you and jessica each said "the old guy is a great actor". wow, so you are both new to burgess meredith? there is plenty to look into about him, but my personal recommendation would be his appearances on "the twilight zone". those are acting masterclasses. for the franchise with the best sequels overall? i'd give it to the first 3 jason boune films (bourne identity, bourne supremacy, bourne ultimatum) . the first one is brilliant and the next two each get better (above perfect). there are at least 5 bourne films, but i mean the first 3 for these purposes. my own rocky rankings, best to worst ( as artworks, not as entertainment) would be 1, 4, 5, 3, 2, 6. i feel 5 is so underrated, and 2 and 6 are overrated. incidentally, rocky 4 was voted "the most 80s movie of the 80s". im not certain what that means, but of this franchise, i feel rocky 3 is the most "80s feeling". and finally, i believe my rocky rankings are so different from other peoples because most viewers prioritize happy endings more than i do. any thoughts? what point in the franchise are you up to at this moment (viewed not posted). and please tell jessica that ice says hello and congratulations on her award. i love the reactions you and she do mike. you really bring emotion into them.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Hello ice, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I just checked our movie list, and "The Jason Bourne" movies aren't on it, so I added them. Btw, I prefer happy endings as well, but it ultimately depends on the movie and its message. I loved Rocky V a lot more than other people. I'm currently editing R5 and we'll soon react to R6. Stay tuned. Thanks again for your kind words! (:

[@seancorker5815]

I think the difference between 3 and the first two is that 3 hasn’t aged as well as the first two. Mr T just isn’t a convincing boxer and is more of a caricature. The character development isn’t as marked. Still it’s streets ahead of 4 and 5. Rocky Balboa is a brilliant and a solid 9.5.

[@BossMovieReactions]

Thank you, Sean. I'm currently editing R3. (:

[@PrinceofPain-wv1lo]

​@BossMovieReactions ..Yes..The real war is on Men & peoples' of European descent