What’s Aged the Worst?
Splintered patriotism, recycled footage, TV-delivered bad news, robot sexual jokes, reduced death impact, poor officiating/training, accents, continuity, and the Stallone–Nielsen relationship were discussed.
In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:01Read transcript
- The film’s uncomplicated patriotism felt less relatable in 2020.
- Opening another sequel with recycled footage from the prior Rocky was criticized.
- Characters discovering major news by accidentally seeing it on television felt dated.
- Paulie’s sexualized robot dialogue was the central robot problem.
- The robot itself was defended as essential mid-1980s texture and as a nod to Stallone’s son.
- The hastily made Sports Illustrated and magazine covers looked sloppy.
- Apollo’s death has less shock on repeat viewings than it did in 1985.
- Drago repeatedly hit Apollo after the bell without sanction.
- Rocky’s pre-fight coaching gave Apollo no useful boxing advice.
- Rocky froze with the towel while Apollo absorbed extra punishment.
- Brigitte Nielsen’s Russian accent was criticized.
- Adrian initially refusing to accompany Rocky to Russia was criticized.
- The anonymous color commentator was treated as a weak replacement for a recognizable boxing voice.
- Apollo’s boxing gloves disappear between cuts before his exchange with Drago.
- The Stallone–Nielsen relationship and rapid marriage/divorce became distracting production context.