Review of Rocky IV (1985) by Harry W — 10 Mar 2015

With Rocky being a continuously solid film series, Rocky IV was just another chance for me to see the warrior get back in the ring.

As Rocky III proved, it is difficult to keep finding ways of throwing Rocky Balboa back into the ring, and much of Rocky IV follows the same kind of formula as Rocky III with an added theme of vengeance. Being a 1985 film, the main thing that viewers are likely to remember about Rocky IV is that it is much less about grit and more about implementing in as many 1980's tropes in as it can. The plot cleverly makes use of David vs. Goliath story formula against the backdrop of a Cold War setting with its American vs. Russian tale of patriotism. As well as that, the soundtrack to the film is incredibly 80's and there are more montages in this one than in any other. Frankly, Rocky IV is the shallowest film of the series so far, but it is flagrantly proud of it. Unfortunately, this is not always perfect. It tries to up the ante by giving Rocky Balboa the greatest challenge of his career, and there is certainly a sense of threat that comes with it. Unfortunately, the approach that Sylvester Stallone takes as director ensures that there are a few too many trops in the film for it to realy be the inspiring spectacle that it wants to be. Rocky IV is the most emotionally uninvolving and style oriented film of the series, and it doesn't maintain any of the grit that made the first three films great which means that it is exactly the kind of stereotypical sports film that the first Rocky went on to inspire. As a hardcore fan of the series I cannot help but get sucked into the passionate nature of the film, but it certainly felt like a massive retread to me with little new to offer. As a conventional sports film, Rocky IV has the ability to serve up a certain sense of spirit, and watching it during the Cold War would have made it a much better experience due to its 80's themes and patriotism, but it is not a film which has aged that well. It certainly maintains a sense of nostalgic charm and the inspiration is still there, but it hardly compares to the first three Rocky films. As a child I found this to be my favourite of the series simply due to its 80's charm, but now I must decree that it no longer has the same effect on my. I still enjoy Rocky IV, but I cannot embrace its abundance of simplicity as much as I once could, particularly when it is dumbed down to a mere 90 minutes of running time without much of a break between the montages and simplistic melodrama. The montages in the film are certainly entertaining though, and above all the fight scenes are the best because Dolph Lundgren gives an all new challenge to Sylvester Stallone, and as usual the choreography is thoroughly impressive. The boxing rises to an all new level of brutality in Rocky IV, and the extensive final fight between the two warriors is the most entertaining moment of the film which compensates for a lot of its more lacklustree elements. The fighting spirit in Rocky IV manages to sneak its way in there, so I still remain fond of the movie even if it lacks the grit and depth of the proceeding films. Frankly, the screenplay for Rocky IV is far from brilliant but the stylish directorial work from Sylvester Stallone is likely to appeal to fans of Rocky and boxing movies.

Though the soundtrack to Rocky III featured the most iconic theme from the series, Rocky IV remains the film of the series with the gretest collection of musical pieces. Due to its abundance of montages, the music varies between strong instrumental work by Vince Dicola, inspirational 80's songs like "Hearts on Fire" by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, Robert Tepper's memorable inspiring yet saddening emotional piece "No Easy Way Out" and even a live performance of "Living in America" by James Brown.. Survivor even come back to create a new song for the film with the catchy "Burning Heart" put to use. The soundtrack in Rocky IV is unforgettable, and in my opinion one of the greatest movie soundtracks of the 1980's to incoprorate both instrumental pieces and conventional songs. It is an unforgettable soundtrack, but the only problem is that the excessive inspirational energy from it all forsakes the gritty intensity that Rocky Balboa should be facing as he prepares to battle the ultimate Soviet wrecking machine, Ivan Drago.

The cast of Rocky IV are not as on par as usual, but there are still some moments where they shine.

Sylvester Stallone's performance is a bit of a step down in Rocky IV. While the first three Rocky films handed Sylvester Stallone many complicated situations to face, he doesn't seem to work with them that much in Rocky IV because he seems distant from the role. He conveys the everyman nature of who Rovky Balboa is at heart, but when he really needs to step it up he fails to bring the emotions into perspective. He has to wear sunglasses in a funeral scene to block his lack of tears, and he fails to capture the sense of anger that comes with losing people close to him this time. Sylvester Stallone does not make much of an impact with his performance in Rocky IV, but the physical strain he forces himself through in the role is still awesome because he pakcs a mean punch in the ring and his depcition of Rocky Balboa's rigorous fitness training is strong. Sylvester Stallone loses touch with his acting in Rocky IV, but when he is thrown into the ring he has no problem shining which means that he keeps the fighting spirit flowing in Rocky Balboa's burning heart.

Dolph Lundgren's performance in Rocky IV is one of the few that many critics would ever refer to as being good. Though I am a fan of his, I will acknowledge that he has never done a better job than his portrayal of Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. His role in Rocky IV requires him to say minimal lines, and what few he has are delivered with varying tension which always prove effective. He has the status of both a soldier and a real killing machine due to his impressive muscle mass, and so he brings a real sense of intimidation to the role. And when he goes into the ring, viewers are likely to be blown away by how impressively he fights. His punches are swift and brutal, and he keeps his energy consistently flowing the entire time. The brutal sight of him engaging in combat with Sylvester Stallone is incredible to witness considering the genuine nature of their combat. Dolph Lundrgen delivers a powerful performance in Rocky IV and shows off some remarkable physical talents which make him the finest member of the cast and a powerful addition to the characters of the Rocky franchise.

Carl Weathers makes a strong final appearance as Apollo Creed. His supporting role is brief, and though he touches on small elements of the man's once cocky demeanour, he also puts into perspective precisely why he is such a passionate boxer. We see a sense of the man's honour, and we watch him deliver one last battle in the ring. The friendly nature of his chemistry with Sylvester Stallone is what's really effective, even if it is underutilized. Carl Weathers does his part in Rocky IV once again and delivers a powerful sendoff for the character.

Burt Young is brought back for comic relief in Rocky IV, but the wrong decision was making the majority of his interactions with a robot. He's still a likable figure, but there isn't much to boast about with him. Brigitte Nielsen and even Talia Shire also deliver tame efforts.

So Rocky IV is a short and shallow addition to the series without any real sense of grit or characterization, but there is no denying the inspiring nature of its boxing themes and the remarkable fight sequences.