Review of Rocky V (1990) by Georgios M — 27 May 2012

One of the most underrated movies I have ever seen. as a massive Rocky fan, I believe this film ranks in 3rd best out of the 6 films (behind 1 & 2). the reasons? it goes back to its roots. the film goes back to what made rocky so great in the first (and second) film.

this may be due to the fact that John G. Avildsen returned to the director's chair for this one, but this film brings back the same vibes from the Rocky of old. Rocky III & IV were obviously attempts at '80s popcorn flicks, attempting to turn Rocky into an action star.

but this film went back to its roots, and brought Rocky back to life and to his humble beginnings. He goes back to the streets of Philly, the city and streets which in themselves became characters of their own in the first movie.

he loses everything and this brings him to where he was before he first fought Creed, struggling to make a living, etc. this is what I personally love about Rocky, the innocence of the character, and the emotional and dramatic factor the character brings.

I was able to connect with the character, on all levels, much more in this film than in III & IV. The scene where Rocky returns to Mick's gym after just moving back into Philly, in my opinion, is the greatest and most emotional scene in the whole Rocky saga.

I thought Rocky V was great, and I could never understand why it was bashed so much. to me, he fact there is no training montage, or boxing match in the movie is an absolutely terrible excuse to bash this film.

it is much more than that. it is a film that explores family, dealing with personal loss and conquering even the darkest of times in our lives, something that rocky is all about.