The episode argues that Rocky III is the most rewatchable Rocky film and possibly the best in the series because it moves quickly, delivers huge theatrical surprises, and contains iconic set pieces like Thunderlips, Clubber Lang, and the Eye of the Tiger montage. The hosts also treat it as a defining 1980s sports-pop-culture crossover that helped launch Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.
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01Fast 100-minute runtime and three fight scenes keep the movie moving without drag. Opening minutes
02Big theatrical surprises: Rocky loses, Mickey dies, and Apollo appears to train Rocky. Opening minutes
03Thunderlips scene is an unforgettable, funny wrestling crossover that rewards rewatches. About 8 min
04The Eye of the Tiger montage and training sequence are iconic and instantly energizing. About 16 min
05The beach scene between Rocky and Adrian is emotionally strong and repeatedly funny on rewatch. About 32 min
WHAT DID NOT WORK
Their main criticisms
moderateThe film repeats a racial pattern by setting Rocky against another loud black fighter, which Gene Siskel criticized as pandering to racist feelings. About 16 min
minorSome reunion/recruitment scenes are too easy and rushed, especially Mickey and Apollo persuading Rocky. About 24 min
minorPauly's conduct and presence in Los Angeles is obnoxious and racist. About 24 min
minorThe beach race and hug are visually awkward and funny in a way that has aged weirdly. About 32 min
minorThe fight choreography and damage realism feel dated compared with modern boxing/UFC. About 48 min
SCENES THEY KEPT COMING BACK TO
Standout moments
Favorite
Thunderlips match
The Hulk Hogan wrestling cameo is praised as funny, authentic, and a huge pop-culture bridge.
About 8 min Favorite
Clubber interrupts the statue ceremony
Clubber's speech at the statue ceremony is celebrated for its menace and comic energy.
About 32 min mixed
Mickey's deathbed scene
Emotionally devastating in the theater but also unintentionally funny because of Stallone's delivery.
Opening minutes Favorite
Rocky and Adrian on the beach
Seen as the strongest Rocky-Adrian scene, balancing vulnerability, humor, and affection.
About 32 min positive
Training montage and race
The hotel, race, pool, and beach-hug sequence is admired and mocked for its odd visual choices.
About 32 min positive
Final fight and freeze frame
The last fight is exciting and the freeze-frame ending is a memorable cliffhanger, even if frustrating.
About 40 min
WHERE THEY DISAGREED
The biggest debates
They agreed Opening minutes
Best Rocky movie
Bill Simmons
Rocky III is probably the best Rocky movie.
Cousin Sal
Rocky III is his favorite Rocky movie and favorite sports movie.
Gus Ramsey
Rocky III is the best Rocky movie.
They partly agreed About 8 min
Rocky III versus Rocky IV
Bill Simmons
Rocky III and Rocky IV are close; some people prefer Rocky IV.
Cousin Sal
Rocky III over Rocky IV.
Gus Ramsey
Rocky III over Rocky IV.
They partly agreed About 24 min
Mickey's persuasion scenes feel too easy
Cousin Sal
They happen too quickly and feel implausible.
Bill Simmons
The speed helps the movie move, though he can see the criticism.
Gus Ramsey
He largely accepts the scene's importance despite the rushed feel.
They agreed About 24 min
Eye of the Tiger versus You're the Best
Bill Simmons
Eye of the Tiger is the perfect choice and You're the Best would not fit as well.
Gus Ramsey
Eye of the Tiger works better in this film and You're the Best belongs to Karate Kid.
Cousin Sal
He agrees the swap worked out well for both movies.
No final agreement About 1:04
Did Clubber kill Mickey?
Cousin Sal
Maybe involuntary manslaughter or at least a real legal case.
Gus Ramsey
Maybe, but the scene also shows Mickey had prior heart problems.
Bill Simmons
The movie never resolves it.
19 People discussedActors, directors, writers, and producers
