Rocky V: 30 Years Later

Even with it being a sports film, Rocky was a drama at its core. An up and comer who gets his big chance against the heavyweight champion. Working for a loan shark, finding the beauty in a shy woman, dealing with an arrogant trainer. Yet, he still chugged along and the film wasn't about winning. It was about making a name for yourself and defying the expectations of many. That's why it was a huge hit in 1976. The second, while not as good, still retained being a great drama. With the third, it was more over the top, and even more ridiculous with the fourth.

When you get to Rocky V, it goes a different direction, and that's what angered movie goers and critics back in November 1990. Following his match against Ivan Drago in the Soviet Union, Rocky Balboa is back in Philadelphia. Things do not go well. He has no money and he can't box due to brain damage. In a way, it tries to go towards the route of the first film, but in a different manner. He is like his old trainer, Mickey, and trains Tommy Gunn, played by real boxer Tommy Morrison. But that relationship gets soured and turns into a street fight at the end, probably the film's most iconic moment.

This was a really bad period for Sylvester Stallone. From 86 until his comeback with Cliffhanger in 93, he wasn't wowing critics. With Rocky V, it lacks any of the charm the first two had. It's not a bad idea to end with what began. Going back to your roots, when done right, is fantastic. It tries to juggle many things. The relationship between Rocky and his son (played by Stallone's son, Sage). Dealing with the financial situations with his wife Adrian. Tommy Gunn and the betrayal. It wasn't developed altogether.

Most networks avoid airing it most of the time. It has its moments, but you won't have the same reactions in the first two films. The impression also being that it would be the last film until speculation in the early 2000s probably didn't sit well. Rocky Balboa captured that dramatic feeling when it came out in 2006. What I think is that people wanted Rocky to bow out on a good note and with V, it didn't feel like a good bowing out. It focused on the idea of boxing, but also Rocky's personal stuff without the juggling issue. Creed 1 and 2 also follow the same template

It's not a completely horrible movie, but it's not a must watch either. There were good ideas, but they felt like they were thrown out the window. But hey, the redemption is there with the last few films that have been made the last 14 years. As long as they know what makes Rocky and Creed tic,, they can avoid disasters like this.