As we continue through the "Rocky" franchise, "Rocky III" stands tall as one of the most critically appraised films in the franchise. The film features the Italian Stallion's greatest challenge; saving his honor, marriage, and manhood, against his most dangerous opponent yet, in his quest to regain the "Eye of the Tiger."
Iconic New Characters
"Rocky III" introduces some new faces to the franchise adding to the popularity of the film. The first character introduced, "Thunder Lips" , played by wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, adds a whole new layer of entertainment to the film. Rocky faces Thunder Lips in an exhibition bout for charity yet as the exhibition progresses, it becomes more of a fight as tensions rise and things begin to get out of hand.
The other notable new face to the film is none other than Mr. T who plays "Clubber Lang," a mean, strong, intimidating boxer who challenges Rocky for his World Heavyweight Championship.
The Themes
The film is not just about the newcomers however, the film delves into the beloved characters from the first two films. Adrian's hesitation regarding Rocky's return to the ring introduce a new layer of conflict into their marriage. Meanwhile, the loss of Rocky's beloved trainer, Micky, casts a shadow over his journey.
Much like the movies before it, "Rocky III" is far more than a boxing movie, it's a tale of resilience and redemption. Rocky faces doubt, hardships, and a fall from grace, but he's determined to climb back to the top. It's a testament to the power of self-belief and having the "eye of the tiger."
A New Rocky
What sets "Rocky III" apart from its predecessors is the transformation of his character. Rocky is no longer the scrappy underdog fighting against all odds. He's now the champion, basking in the glory of success. However, life takes a turn, and Rocky loses it all. He must claw his way back from the bottom once again. This shift in the narrative adds depth and complexity to Rocky's character.
Favorite Scenes
The movie is filled with iconic scenes. The most iconic scenes include Adrian and Rocky's argument, the training scene with Apollo, and finally Rocky's rematch against Clubber Lang to rekindle the "eye of the tiger."
Conclusion: An Essential Addition
The fan favorite, "Rocky III" plays a pivotal role in Rocky's character development and the series as a whole. My hot take is that I believe films "II-IV" are the best trilogy of all time.
(Tune into my next post for the conclusion!)
The combination of the cast, soundtrack and compelling storyline make this movie an all time classic. In Summary, Balboa is far more than a fictional boxer but he's a symbol of a real life message that; no matter the setbacks, you can always rekindle the "eye of the tiger."
Comments