Rocky III is still awesome, thirty-five years later...

This year, Cult of Whatever is looking back on some of the great movies of 1982. It’s been thirty-five years since these films first captivated audiences. Some of them were blockbuster hits, while others needed a few years on home video to find their groove. Whatever their box office intake, these movies are genuine classics and deserve recognition.

We started in January with Conan the Barbarian (see our stream of consciousness rewatch here) and then followed it up in February with TRON (look back on its legacy here). In March we reminisced about The Secret of NIMH, a classic fantasy from the legendary animator Don Bluth (click here to read all about it). In April we talked about the forgotten gem The Sword and the Sorcerer (we reflect on its overlooked history here), and last month we celebrated the great Jim Henson passion project, Dark Crystal (read all about it right here). Last month we reflected on the beginning of a quintessential eighties franchise: Rambo.

This month we look back on another Sylvester Stallone hit, Rocky III.

Up until 1982, Stallone was known for two things: (1) Rocky and (2) flopping in every other movie not named Rocky. 1982 would bring him Rambo (First Blood) and save his career from being forever linked to just one character. In that same year Stallone returned to the series that made him famous and redeemed the disappointment of Rocky II.

Let’s start there: Rocky II never should have been made. It’s one thing to continue a story that began with a previous film, but when the sequel’s story simply retreads the central drama of the original, you’re going to meet resistance. When the story takes the original’s drama and cheapens it, you’re really going to have problems.

The original Rocky is a brilliant bit of drama; upstart boxer from the slums dreams of “just going the distance” with the heavyweight champ. That line (“all I wanna do is go the distance”) is the plot of the movie, which is why, when Rocky fails to win the title at the end, it’s okay, because that wasn’t his “hero’s journey.” All he wanted was to prove he belonged, and by going the distance (and ending in a draw) he did that. The movie even hammers that point home when, as the final bell sounds, both Apollo Creed and Rocky tell each other “no rematch.” They proved all they needed to prove.

And then in Rocky II they rematch and Rocky wins the title.

Was it nice to see the hero win the big one? Sure, but it cheapened the story that was so perfectly told in the original. When it came time for a third movie, Stallone turned to a different direction and recaptured the magic of the first.

The beauty of the Rocky movies is not in their multi-layered and surprising plots. The stories are always simple and it’s the acting that carries them. Rocky III tells its whole story in the opening montage. The five minute sequence, set to the now-classic “Eye of the Tiger,” shows Rocky basking in the fame and fortune that comes with being Heavyweight Champ. He boxes a few fights (against opponents we will find out were paper tigers), but mostly throws pretend punches at ribbon-cutting ceremonies, car dealerships and in TV commercials. Cameras flash as he grins on the cover of magazines, hosts the Oscars and even guest stars on The Muppet Show. At the same time, another boxer, Clubber Lang (great name), trains and boxes his way to the number-one contendership.

There are a lot of montages in the film, as Stallone said that the knew he didn’t have much meat in the plot and wanted this film to focus on the training and fighting, and less on the personal conflicts that the previous movies dealt with. But as far as I’m concerned the best montage is the first, and the star of it (as well as the movie) is Clubber Lang.

Lang is first seen without any introduction. He appears as a face in the crowd, looking royally angry as Rocky schmoozes during a photo-op. As the montage continues, Lang goes from an extra, to a cameo, to a co-star to, by the end of it, the focus of the short story. While Rocky is basking in the comforts and afterglow of championship success, Lang is training to dethrone him. The way the story is told, without any dialogue, is so perfectly-edited, the sequence could have ended with Lang uppercutting Rocky and winning the title and it would have made perfect sense, without any explanation needed for the audience. It also would have been an Oscar-worthy short film.

It’s funny, because you could argue that the opening montage basically summarizes the first half of the movie (Rocky relaxes, Clubber trains and the champ is primed for defeat) making it ultimately redundant and pointless, but I’d argue that the opening montage is so well done it almost makes the actual movie that follows redundant. Everything we see in those opening minutes is re-explored in the next forty-five. Rocky’s relaxed championship reign is illustrated by a “charity fight” with “wrestling’s heavyweight champ,” the seven-foot tall “Thunderlips.”

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Hulk Hogan’s performance is wooden but it’s got a retro charm you can’t help but love, and it’s impressive to see him tower over Stallone (he was a foot taller, though not the actual “seven footer” they billed him as in the movie) and it was fun watching a cinematic take on a pro wrestling match. There’s even a wooden chair broken over Thunderlips’ back (which he no-sells, naturally).

Lang watches the wrestling spectacle like Moses watched the party around the Golden Calf. As far as he’s concerned, Rocky is a disgrace to the sport and doesn’t deserve the title. While it’s easy to instantly root for Rocky, Mr. T does such a phenomenal job in his film debut you can’t help but sympathize with his story. He’s an braggart, but he backs it up. He’s a jerk, but he’s also hungry. Were it not for one line, when he hits on Adrian and offers to show her what a “real man” can do (a line which prompted Mr. T’s mother to walk out of the premiere, ashamed at her son’s ill manners), there would be nothing unredeemable about him. It’s only because Rocky is the presumed hero that we naturally gravitate toward rooting for him. But objectively the guy to root for is Lang!

After Rocky finally agrees to the fight, we see a dual training montage and it couldn’t be more contrasted. Unlike in the original, where both Creed and Rocky train with sweat-drenched fervor, this time it’s only the challenger who takes the fight seriously. Rocky trains in the middle of a circus of onlookers, photographers and fans and never fails to stop for a wink, a smile and a kiss. At the same time, Lang is filmed in a dimly-lit, drab grey box of a room, not unlike Rocky’s old training grounds.

Tell me again, whose the hero?

When the fight is over Rocky not only loses his title and his pride but also his manager.

Humbled and finally snapped back to reality, he trains for a rematch with help from his frenemy, Apollo Creed. We get one last big montage, featuring the now-infamous slo-mo not-jump in the water…

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

I still don’t know what they were going for here. I think maybe they wanted a mid-air chest bump and mis-timed the jump, so they ended up just sort of holding each other and hopping.

Anyway…

Rocky and Clubber Lang rematch and Rocky, sporting Creed’s stars and strips shorts, finally knocks out the champ and proves he was worthy of his title all along. The conclusion works where it didn’t in Rocky II, partially because it all happens within one story, and also because it becomes a story of redemption and not, as in the previous movie, a glorified “do-over.”

After struggling to branch out after the original Rocky, 1982 would be the year Stallone proved he was more than a one-hit wonder. First Blood proved he could be a versatile action movie star and Rocky III proved he could be a writer, direct and star in a movie that was not only a hit, but a well-made piece of cinema, tightly-edited, well-acted, and smartly told.

And it’s still awesome…thirty-five years later.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

1 Comment

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Lone Wolf

2 years ago

Rocky III is definitely my favorite Rocky movie of them all. I was a huge fan of Mr. T from The A Team, and so when he starred in Rocky III, I loved it! Rocky IV was too over the top with the Soviet audience ultimately cheering Rocky on at the end, and Rocky I and II I was really too young to remember.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Rocky III is still awesome, thirty-five years later…

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you