Rocky IV (Rocky 4 (DVD))

Member Name: Uddername

Product:	Rocky 4 (DVD)
Date:	13/07/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, enjoyable and to the point.

Disadvantages: Lack of drama, emotion and realism that other Rocky's have.

Rocky IV is the fourth instalment in the Rocky franchise written and directed by the lead Sylvester Stallone, and it can't be denied that the film is a lot of fun to watch. However, i believe that's all it is. The previous Rocky's had more drama elements and more scenes where the pace was slowed down allowing for character development. Rocky IV, on the other hand blasts through the film a high speed which although provides an easy watching popcorn film, it also lacks the depth and emotion from the previous films.

The story is Russian boxer Ivan Drago challenges the aging Apollo Creed to an 'exhibition', to which Rocky fails to persuade Apollo not to accept. Drago destroys Apollo in the ring which results in his death, leaving Rocky feeling responsible. The Italian Stallion then feels the only way he can make up for it, is to beat the Russian giant himself.

The highlights of the film include the Hearts on Fire montage, Rocky and Apollo watching themselves fight in Rocky II and the ultimate David and Goliath fight at the end of the film; but the film has a lot of problems too. Firstly, it hasn't aged well. There's too many 'music montages' packed with eighties synths (The original Rocky composer, Bill Conti, isn't around for this film), there's too many 'cartoony' moments, and there's also an excruciating scene where Rocky decides to buy a robot for his Brother-in-law.

The lack of Burgess Meredith (Mickey) and the city of Philadelphia also makes this 3rd sequel seem much more separated from its predecessors then it should. Looking back on it, you can't help but think it was made on the wave of the cold war, even though Sly has denied such claims.

Overall, it's a good, enjoyable film that if you excuse a few bits is a great motivational film to watch, however because of the reasons stated I think it's probably the weakest Rocky of the series.

The DVD itself also features no deleted scenes, commentary or featurettes...something that needs to be changed when the series gets inevitably released on blu-ray.

Summary: A decent enough effort but definately not a knock out!