Really,I'm not a fan of sequels,BUT,
Rocky V,though often slated as the worst of the bunch,is actually superior to the two films that preceded it.Unlike the glossy third and fourth entries, this one tries to be down-to-earth. Rocky loses his money, and is forced to go back to his old neighborhood. Back in the grime of his past. That's where he belongs, not in a mansion!
Granted, there is some cheese on display here. The music is dated and some of the dialogue is just too obvious - the reporters at the press conference pressure Rocky in all kinds of ridiculous ways. I also don't understand the patriotic references; why is the villain
George Washington Duke and why does he say
only in America at the end? (besides the obvious Don King rip-off,it doesn't make much sense-only in America can Rocky prove his superiority in a street brawl?
![Confused :confused: :confused:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
) It's also silly that the film is set right after
Rocky IV, since all of the actors have visibly aged.
Nevertheless, there's good material here. Paulie finally redeems himself, and Tommy's corruption is an interesting counterpoint to how Rocky's career developed. The final battle is very satisfying, particularly the visions of Mickey which inspire Rocky to get up for
one more round!!!