Rocky V is a 1990 movie directed by John G. Avildsen.
Rocky V concludes the original saga as a suddenly broke Rocky faces brain damage and a splintering family. He begins to train a new protege, Tommy Gunn, who emerges as a target of greedy promoter George Duke. Rocky and Gunn’s relationship falters, which leads to a final showdown.
THE BEST – Stallone
Rocky V is certainly the weak link in the original saga but Stallone gives a solid performance. He’s given a significant amount of dialogue and while there are obvious stumbles, it’s a solid performance – especially as he navigates the evolution of the character.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Kid Gets a Name
For two straight movies, Rocky and Adrian’s son was only referred to as “the kid.” Worse, he was virtually abandoned in each movie while Rocky trained in far-off locations. In Rocky V, his family’s ill fortunes throw him into the streets of Philadelphia, where he struggles to survive. Needless to say, “Robert’s” a bit damaged emotionally. Sage Stallone does an admirable job as the lost Balboa son and contributes some of the movie’s more memorable scenes. His transformation from preppy, rich kid to street tough is a highlight of the movie.
THE BEST Part 3 – Pauly and Adrian Get Some Scenes
Talia Shire gives great effort throughout the movie but it’s obvious the hyper speed script does her no favors. She’s easily the most polished actor of the group but it never appears that she finds any footing here. Burt Young gets a couple of scenes to shine but a similar fate befalls him.
THE BEST Part 4 – Morrison the Boxer
Tommy Morrison quickly shows that he’s a boxer trying to act. He’s not terrible and when his character is given space, he creates some good scenes. However, as the movie speeds up, he’s basically just yelling at Rocky. Yet, the reason he’s here is because he’s a skilled boxer. His fight scenes are among the most brutal of any in the entire saga.
THE WORST – Slow Down!
It’s not that Rocky V is a bad movie – there is intriguing character development and action. However, the story is never allowed to breathe – everything narrative is rushed, which leads to embarrassing scenes. Rocky and Pauly are walking the streets, when Gunn offers his sales pitch. Moments later, Duke shows up to prod Rocky. Naturally, this all takes place outside Adrian’s pet shop – so she’s now involved too.
As the movie progresses, Gunn’s hatred of Rocky seems to occur over seconds, which ultimately leads to their street showdown. He’s easily manipulated by Duke and given a trophy girlfriend. It feels like only seconds later, he’s coldly dismissing Rocky. While this plot makes sense given the corruption rampant in professional boxing, the breakneck speed negates any logic.
THE WORST Part 2 – An Oddly Belligerent Media
Stallone’s critique of the media, which began in Rocky IV, explodes here as the gathered sportswriters brutally attack Rocky over his retirement plans, Union Cane for his mere existence and Tommy Gunn for living in Rocky’s shadow. It’s a savage and weirdly evil component of the story telling.
THE WORST Part 3 – The Soviet Airplane
Sometimes it’s the little details that can derail a movie’s momentum. In an attempt at continuity from Rocky IV, Rocky and Adrian arrive home on a Soviet airplane – something that makes no sense given that they would have had an American connecting flight. Yes, this is a petty point – but it also signals a lot of flawed logic to follow.
THE WORST Part 4 – Evil Duke
The most overt commentary is saved for Richard Gant’s George W. Duke, who is essentially a Don King clone. Gant is fine with what he’s given but the script is laughably and unnecessarily evil. While Don King is notorious for his corrupt nature and stealing money from fighters, he’s also a pompous showman. However, Duke is mainly a composite of pure evil without the charm – he’s a one-note supervillain and ultimately an empty character.
THE WORST Part 5 – The Ghost of Mickey
As Rocky’s life craters, he revisits Mickey’s abandoned gym where he communicates with his celestial manager. It’s an overdone scene but the intentions are genuine. However, the tenderness and outright love Mickey shows is striking – especially when compared to his original authentic character.
THE WORST Part 6 – The Final Fight
I understand the thinking in setting up a Rocky-Tommy street fight and while both actors try hard, the actual fight doesn’t feature the in-ring magic and largesse of the previous movies. It’s solid action but there’s nothing memorable, which is critical given the franchise’s reputation.
IN THE WEEDS – Some of My Favorite Moments
“Hey look, it’s a 90 proof Santa.”
Stallone Gets a Shower Scene to Show off his Body.
Bossy Adrian
Union Cane is a Dismal Mike Tyson Ripoff
Evil Accountants
Rocky Finding his Original Hat
“Take it Back” Gets Some Rap Verses
“Home Team!”
“Cajones is Latin for Spanish Nuts.”
Jewel – “I ain’t like the other kids around here.”
Tommy Gunn’s Mullet
Pauly Gets Squirted With Water
Bubble Training
The First ESPN Signage
The Original Bartender
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3/5
Rocky V has both quality moments and deep flaws. There are interesting stories to tell here but they lost in the plot’s breakneck pace. Overall, the movie relies on reaching back to the original classic, which can only diminish this offering.
