Rocky 3 (1982)

Rocky 3 began what I like to call the villain era. 3 and 4 both feature these huge mountains that Rocky has to fight. This movie leaned into a more fun and comedic tone. It still had dramatic moments and the big call to arms before the final fight. It had to take Rocky from being on top of the world to a fighter who was genuinely scared and lost without his mentor. This was a fun experience and I laughed at a lot of points. It’s silly cinema and I’m here for it. Just maybe fewer close-ups of legs flexing while they run. Rocky at its core about a man who can conquer anything and he did it again this time around. This is also the only movie where Rocky steps into the ring and doesn’t have to go the distance which is an interesting thought. This is a fun, over-the-top era of the Rocky movies…I also didn’t mean to throw the Sylvester Stallone pun in there….oh well, too late now.

Story - 17%

Characters - 16%

Pacing - 18%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 19%

Total score: 88%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here