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
In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:01Read transcript
- The film’s uncomplicated patriotism felt less relatable in 2020. — Bill Simmons
- Opening another sequel with recycled footage from the prior Rocky was criticized. — Bill Simmons
- Characters discovering major news by accidentally seeing it on television felt dated. — Cousin Sal
- 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. — Bill Simmons
- Apollo’s death has less shock on repeat viewings than it did in 1985. — Bill Simmons
- Drago repeatedly hit Apollo after the bell without sanction. — Cousin Sal
- Rocky’s pre-fight coaching gave Apollo no useful boxing advice. — Bill Simmons
- Rocky froze with the towel while Apollo absorbed extra punishment. — Bill Simmons
- Brigitte Nielsen’s Russian accent was criticized. — Bill Simmons
- Adrian initially refusing to accompany Rocky to Russia was criticized. — Bill Simmons
- The anonymous color commentator was treated as a weak replacement for a recognizable boxing voice. — Bill Simmons
- Apollo’s boxing gloves disappear between cuts before his exchange with Drago. — Bill Simmons
- The Stallone–Nielsen relationship and rapid marriage/divorce became distracting production context. — Bill Simmons