ROCKY V
A film review by Ron Schnell
Copyright 1990 Ron Schnell
Reviewed by: Ron Schnell
Los Angeles, CA
Copyright (C) 1990, by Ron Schnell
All Rights Reserved
ROCKY V (Sylvester Stallone, writer, Michael S. Glick, Executive Producer) has gotten a lot of press as the "last" of the ROCKY movies. It is certainly one of the best. After ROCKY (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, 1976 Academy Awards), none of the sequels really had the same kind of "feel" about them. After seeing ROCKY V the reason becomes clear. ROCKY V is directed by John G. Avildsen, who has not directed another ROCKY since ROCKY I. Mr. Avildsen has the ability to direct people so gently, and to direct action so forcefully, that the effect on the audience is quite stirring. Mr. Stallone's new found love for comedy is also evident in this film.
ROCKY V starts where ROCKY IV left off, which has been the case in all of the ROCKY films. Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) has just finished knocking out the Russian boxer/killer and flys home to meet the press and face his next challenge. The first thing one notices hearing Rocky talk is that dumb-sounding, slurring voice that we have all come to know. Only this time it is noticeably dumber-sounding, as are the things Rocky says. What we eventually find out is that Rocky has sustained damage to his brain, which will prevent him from ever being licensed to fight again (in the United States). This is a similar problem to one found in ROCKY II, in which doctors tell Rocky that he will never be able to fight again without risking blindness. Somehow though, director Avildsen really makes us believe that this will be the end of Rocky as a boxer. To make matters worse, a crooked accountant has lost all of Rocky's money and house and leaves him destitute. If not for the pleading and crying of Rocky's wife Adrian (Talia Shire), he would have immediately gone back in to the ring, probably risking his life. Rocky must retire and dedicate himself to figuring out a way to support his wife and son Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone). Rocky Jr. is now of grade-school age and will have to move back to the projects of Philadelphia. Eventually, Rocky meets up with a young fighter from Oklahoma named Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison), who wants Rocky to train him to be a heavyweight contender. This movie is about the conflicts between all of these characters, a Don King-type fight promoter named George W. Duke (Richard Gant), and Rocky's strong desire to get back in to the ring so that he can give his family the life they deserve.
ROCKY V marks the serious acting debut of both Sage Stallone, and Tommy Morrison. Sage is one of two of Sylvester Stallone's sons by ex-wife Sasha Stallone. After seeing his performance in this film, there is no question that we will be seeing him again. His natural talent for acting could be described as better than his father's. Perhaps it is due to the fact that he is playing a character who has many similarities to himself. Tommy Morrison was chosen to play the part of Tommy Gunn, solely based on his ability as a boxer, not as an actor. After seeing the film, I do not think that this was a good risk. His acting could not be described as much better than poor, and it is tough not to laugh when he speaks. For those of you who do not like rap music, be prepared to sit through a couple of long raps during action scenes. It's a lot different from the "Rocky Theme," or "Frank Stallone Jr.," or "Survivor" (all music from previous ROCKYs). A closing credits song by Elton John is sure to get a lot of airplay from this movie. Background music is still done by Bill Conti. Burt Young returns to play his role of Paulie. He seems right at home returning to the slums, and pulls no punches in trying to bring Rocky to reality.
I found myself really feeling for Rocky for the entire movie. His situation is both believable and moving. As in all sequels, I walked in thinking, "This had better be the last one." But as in all ROCKY sequels (except maybe ROCKY IV which I viewed as terrible), I walked out thinking, "Another one wouldn't be that bad."
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