Rocky II (1979)

Rocky struggles in family life after his bout with Apollo Creed, while the embarrassed champ insistently goads him to accept a challenge for a rematch.

From memory: More mediocre remake than sequel is at times rather saccharine, but the boxing match is well staged.

Halliwell (no star): "Over-inflated but under-nourished sequel with absolutely new to offer."

Maltin***: "Officially a sequel, this slightly silly film is more of a rehash, but the climactic bout (and build up to it) hits home."

Cruising (1980)

A police detective goes undercover in the underground S&M gay subculture of New York City to catch a serial killer who is preying on gay men.

From memory: more exploitative than effective thriller seems to revel in the sleazy underworld it presents; still, Al Pacino does another great job in the lead role.

Halliwell (no star): "Alleged thriller with phoney pretensions and repellent detail."

Maltin*1/2: "...distasteful, badly scripted film. Gay world is presented as sick, degrading, and ritualistic."