Rocky II

Writer/Director Sylvester Stallone returns as Rocky Balboa in this second edition follow up to the 1976 blockbuster Rocky. Picking up where the first film leaves off, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) is declared winner by split decision before the pair are sent to the hospital to treat their mutual injuries. Rocky is delivered a poor prognosis, due to the repeated blows to his head during the match he is now suffering from near blindness in one eye. Wife Adrian (Talia Shire) wants him to hang up his gloves and retire from the sport. In an effort to please her and prepare for their new life together, Rocky acquiesces. With a baby on the way, he finds himself struggling to make a home and find a job that will support his new family.

Despite Creed's proclamation otherwise after their match ended, he has challenged Rocky to a rematch after the public backlash against the final decision declaring Creed as the victor. He publicly calls Rocky out, mercilessly taunting him through the media to take the challenge.

Rocky, feeling desperate to provide financially for his growing family, decides to accept the challenge. Adrian, fully against the decision, reminds him that he is not only risking his life, but his family, too. Though he struggles with the prospect, he ultimately feels he has no choice in the matter. Boxing is all he knows, and he feels that he has nothing else to offer in the means of providing for his family, even if it costs him his life.

Again the underdog, Rocky throws himself back into his training routine to prepare for the match, slowly gaining his confidence that he may indeed have a chance against Creed. Soon enough the two find themselves face to face in the ring for one final showdown. For Rocky, there is more than the championship belt to win (or lose). He is betting everything on this fight, including his life.