रॉकी V

This movie I know people did not really enjoy. But in a way it is underrated. Because it does really get Mickey back in the show (which Rocky IV stayed away from). I got sad towards the beginning when Rocky goes back to the old neighborhood one night and goes to Mickey's gym and at the end when Rocky is thinking back to what Mickey was telling him in the first two. It also really does have a father son theme in it. I felt sorry for his son. Tommy Morrison did a good job in playing his character. All the Rocky movies to me are the same because they all have there specialties. So yea in a way this movie is underrated and actually really sad.

Often slated as the worst of the bunch, "Rocky V" is actually superior to the two films that preceded it. Unlike the glossy third and fourth entries, this one tries to be down-to-earth. Rocky loses his money, and is forced to go back to his old neighborhood. Back in the grime of his past. That's where he belongs, not in a mansion!

Granted, there is some cheese on display here. The music is dated and some of the dialogue is just too obvious - the reporters at the press conference pressure Rocky in all kinds of ridiculous ways. I also don't understand the patriotic references; why is the villain "George Washington" Duke and why does he say "only in America" at the end? (only in America can Rocky prove his superiority in a street brawl?) It's also silly that the film is set right after "Rocky IV," since all of the actors have visibly aged.

Nevertheless, there's good stuff here. Paulie finally redeems himself, and Tommy's corruption is an interesting counterpoint to how Rocky's career developed. The final battle is very satisfying, particularly the visions of Mickey which inspire Rocky to get up for "one more round!!!" Ah, how I love the moment when he rises to kick Tommy's butt. Dah-dah-dum-dum-dum-dee-dah-dah-dah! (etc.)

I also love the last line - a great summary of what Rocky's character is all about.

Actually I didn't think it was all that bad. It wasn't as exciting as the other episodes but it made sense.

Rocky finally retires , goes broke , and ends up where it all started. I liked the scene whene he went to Mickey's gym and thought of that memory. Another one was when Tommy challenged Rocky to a fight but he just walked away and it went on. And after all these years Paulie said something that you can give him credit for.

The only thing I didn't like was when Rocky gave Tommy Apollo's shorts. That was going too far. If they were going to remember him they could of done it in a better way.

I'm absolutely amazed at the awful reviews people have given this film. I thought it was great!! Ok, I did have the advantage of seeing it on tv last night just after Van Damme's DREADFUL "A.W.O.L" but i still reckon Rocky 5 is a gem of a movie. Forget his voice (which CAN be irritating at times), Sylvester Stallone has the sharpest mind in Hollywood and he's highly accomplished in every field of movie-making. Boxers are the roughest and toughest of people but they're still human with the same feelings and vulnerabilities as everyone else & I think Stallone deserves MEGA respect for the compassion and understanding which shines through all 5 of the Rocky series. I don't think there's an emotion or a situation a boxer could face that Sly hasn't covered - and covered convincingly. The problem this film has always faced is that it appeals to a different, more thoughtful audience than the first 4. It's much more of a 'drama' than an 'action' movie. Take it as it is, and dramas don't come much better. The 'sugary' scenes between Rocky & his son are always particularly savaged in listings magazines. But what do they know! I found them genuinely touching. Here's a guy with a limited intellect desperately trying to reach out to his son and not really knowing how to express himself. Stallone CAN act! Talia Shire was electrifying & Richard Gant deliciously horrible as the thinly disguised Don King. "Touch me & I'll sue!" I remember seeing Rocky 4 at the cinema in 1986. At the time it seemed wonderful, but, all these years later the "isn't America wonderful" theme has aged badly and the flag-draped ending is just embarrassing. Rocky 5 hasn't aged a bit and remember Stallone was FORTY FOUR when 5 was made. He looked pretty damn good. The fight sequence near the end is as good as anything in the first 4. Yes! People were standing up in the theatre and yelling, every bit as much as a real fight, and this wasn't even "in the ring". I always remember the muffled roar of the audience when Stallone looks to camera just for a couple of seconds and we all knew Tommy Gunn was finally going to get his arse kicked. Sheer entertainment. I've heard Stallone is fond of saying to newcomers: "Forget the art. It's a business." Maybe it's because he thinks like that, that he produces such wonderful art. For me, Rocky 5 has to be 8 out of 10.

Rocky V is deemed to be the worst film of the series and Stallone himself gave it a 1 rating in an interview here in the U.K with Jonathan Ross.

Whilst i understand Stallone's frustration with how the Rocky saga ended at the time. Rocky V is not a viewing experience without it's rewards.

Rocky's trip down memory lane to an empty Mickey's gym has to one of the standout scenes in the entire series and whilst the writing isn't on par with Rocky or even Rocky Balboa, you get the sense that Rocky V is back to basics and this is how it life would be if Rocky was a real everyday person and shows the struggles of how he and his family have to adjust everyday life, and how Rocky struggles to reclaim the life he once had, and the father/son relationship that deteriorates, due to Rocky spending all his time trying to live his life through his new protégé.

Whilst the eventual climatic final street fight between teacher and trainer might not be on a Drago or Creed level, you still find yourself rooting for Rocky and hoping he can fix what he has unknowingly broken.

Ignore all the reviews that it's poor continuation of the Rocky saga. It tries to get back to basics and for the most part succeeds.

My advice, give it a chance.