I think everyone was blown away by just how good Rocky Balboa was; many years after the critically maligned (but still fun) Rocky V our favourite pugilist returns in one of the most moving sequels to date.
Rocky still has something “in the basement” and had to get the beast out one last time; I thought the ending they used was arguably more realistic and frankly moving but I also enjoy a happy and uplifting ending.
I’m glad they used the climax they did but this is still an entertaining watch.
As an added bonus here is also the alternate ending to Rocky V which they totally should have used: