I watched Rocky V and I didn’t like it. 2/5
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Rocky V, released in 1990, is the fifth installment in the Rocky film franchise. Unfortunately, this entry fails to recapture the magic and excitement of its predecessors, resulting in a lackluster and disappointing film. Rocky V suffers from a weak and contrived storyline, poor character development, and a lack of emotional depth.
One of the major drawbacks of Rocky V is its screenplay. The story takes a drastic turn from the previous films, as Rocky Balboa, played once again by Sylvester Stallone, finds himself facing financial ruin and forced to retire from boxing. The film attempts to explore Rocky’s journey outside of the ring as he becomes a trainer, but the execution feels forced and lacks the authenticity that made the earlier films so compelling. The dialogue is often cheesy and lacks the depth and emotional resonance that characterized the earlier installments.
The character development in Rocky V is also disappointing. Rocky Balboa, who was previously portrayed as a determined and inspiring figure, becomes a shadow of his former self. His decision-making feels inconsistent and at times irrational, which diminishes the audience’s connection to the character. Additionally, the new characters introduced in this installment lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression. Tommy Gunn, played by Tommy Morrison, is a generic and one-dimensional antagonist, lacking the complexity and nuance of previous adversaries.
The lack of emotional depth is another significant drawback of the film. In the earlier Rocky films, there was a strong emotional core that resonated with audiences. However, in Rocky V, the emotional moments feel forced and fail to elicit the same level of investment from the viewers. The relationships between the characters, particularly Rocky and his son, lack the heartfelt moments that were present in the previous films. The attempts at emotional storytelling fall flat, leaving the audience feeling detached and unengaged.
Furthermore, the boxing sequences in Rocky V are lackluster compared to the intense and adrenaline-pumping fights of the earlier films. The choreography and editing feel uninspired, lacking the excitement and energy that made the boxing scenes so memorable in the franchise. The fights lack tension and fail to create a sense of suspense, which further contributes to the film’s overall lackluster feel.
Visually, Rocky V does little to impress. The cinematography and production design are adequate but don’t add anything exceptional to the film. The gritty and urban setting of Philadelphia, which was showcased in the earlier films, feels underutilized and fails to contribute to the film’s atmosphere. Overall, the visual elements of Rocky V are functional but lack the visual flair that could have elevated the film.
In conclusion, Rocky V is a disappointing addition to the Rocky franchise. It suffers from a weak screenplay, poor character development, and a lack of emotional depth. While Sylvester Stallone delivers a committed performance as Rocky Balboa, the film fails to capture the heart and spirit of the earlier films. The lackluster boxing sequences and uninspired storytelling further contribute to its mediocrity. While it may still hold some appeal for die-hard fans of the franchise, Rocky V falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. With its contrived storyline and lack of emotional resonance, it receives a 2 out of 5 rating.