Review of Rocky V (1990) by James O — 24 May 2011

Rocky V starts out with Rocky shaking uncontrollably after his fight with Ivan Drago. Rocky confuses names and seems a bit different prior to the fight. After returning home to Philadelphia, he and Adrian discover that their entire fortune had been lost to a grimy accountant. In order to earn a big pay day Rocky decides to accept a fight against Union Cane, but first agrees to see a doctor at Adrian's request. The doctors conduct tests on Rocko's brain and discover he has permanent, irreversable brain damage from his years in the ring and especially his grueling match with Drago.

Balboa is once again forced into retirement and physically can no longer fight. The Balboa's then have to move into their old lower class Philadelphia neighborhood as they have very little income. Rocky decides to re-open Mickey's gym where a young and hungry fighter persistently asks Balboa to manage him. Balboa reluctantly agrees to manage Tommy Gunn but does a great job training and managing his new fighter. After being lured by big pay days and title promises, Gunn signs a deal with scummy boxing promoter George Washington Duke (based on Don King).

Duke corrupts the young fighter into challenging Balboa in the ring. Rocky declines the ring but accepts a street fight.

Everyone says this one is the weakest of all in the series and I'll disagree. Tyson and Holyfield are broke. Ali has brain damage from his years in the ring. These things happen to fighters as they get older. I think everything was done wonderfully in this movie. If you stop and think for yourself instead of listening to what everyone else thinks, maybe people would appreciate this one a bit more.

100% From me.