Review of Rocky V (1990) by Jorge G — 20 Jan 2009

Since 1976, Rocky "The Italian Stallion" Balboa has had an illustrious career. He fought American champion Apollo Creed twice, gained the respect and pride he always desired, married the love of his life, defeated Thunderlips AND Clubber "I pity da foo'!" Lang as well as bringing down the dastardly Russkie Ivan Drago, while at the same time single-handedly bringing down Communism and the U.

S.S.R. (with a little help from Ronnie Raygun, of course). Now, in the fifth chapter of the Balboa saga, a broke ass Rocky trains some dude by the name of Tommy Gunn and sees him get to the top, get arrogant, get brainwashed by Don King's fictional doppleganger (minus the haircut) and then challenge him to a fight.

If you are still reading this review, then you might be prepared to watch "Rocky V", a movie that many deemed anti-climatic and unnecessary and in need of getting K.O.'d in the first round of pre-production.

But the film has a lot of heart, and going back to the first film' roots it provides a good setting for a story that tackles the true meaning of pride, envy and family relations, complete with good acting and great script turns.

It may not contain epic ring scenes, but it has a lot of the trademark tenderness and soul of it's protagonist, and is a picture well worth re-discovering.