Review of Rocky IV (1985) by Donald B — 05 Dec 2009

I can?t help but believe that Stallone used this movie as a venue to express his views on the cold war.

The big, mean Russians plan to enter the ranks of the international boxing circuit and want to embarrass the Americans by beating down their best fighters using their walking tank ?Ivan Drago?. Apollo Creed, insulted by their confident demeanor, takes on the challenge despite Rocky?s attempt to talk him out of it. Rocky gives Apollo a speech about how their best days are behind them and that they need to look to the future. Disregarding Rocky?s concerns, Apollo is pulverized and ?exits? the franchise for good. Then, ignoring his own advice, Rocky challenges Drago to a fight for no monetary gain; Rocko is out for revenge.

The fight is to take place in Russia and there, Rocky is met with much hostility. He trains in the Russian outback while Drago has access to all the best facilites and equipment. This suits Rocky just fine though as he is used to this sort of training regimen.

In the end, by showing the Russian populous the resolve and determination that Americans have, and knocking out Drago (in round 15 of course) Rocky wins over the country.

Overall, there is a lot that I disliked about this movie. That the entire arena, showed to be extrememly patriotic at the start of the fight, would start to root for Rocky over Drago mid-fight is a little far-fetched. Also, I did not like how Apollo was used more as a plot device to get Rocky to Russia than the exuberant character we have become fond of. Then, that ridiculous robot and excessive number of 80s montages get pilled on top.

However, for all of this movie?s negative points, there's just enough spirit left to carry this thing through all 15 rounds.