Every Monday I will be reviewing a movie new or old, must see or must not, direct to dvd or big budget. Check back weekly. Ratings are A-F without the E.
This week I am going to rate the Rocky movies in order of least to best. This is Sylvester Stallone's defining saga in my opinion and a lot better than the Rambo saga. The stories are heartwarming, exciting and fun especially well done for the time period. Let me know your feelings on the movies that have just kept on rolling through the times. Rocky Complete Set on Sale Also Click on Any of the Titles to view the movie on Amazon.
6. Rocky V
This is the popular choice and "worst" Rocky movie. I would have to agree. Plain and simple, there is no fight, at least in a ring, with Rocky and the antagonist. That is just not Rocky and I don't know what Stallone was thinking trying to close out his well liked series with a street fight. The movie moves slow in many other ways as well and the whole relationship issue and story revolving his son which also returns in number six in a more reasonable way is just boring. Watching these movies for the first time well before there was a number six I was very excited for the conclusion of the series and left as disappointed as I could possibly be. Rating D-
5. Rocky II
This might be an unpopular choice. This movie did signify the first time that Rocky wins a fight after losing by decision in the original Rocky. It also contains one of the most seen sequences in time with Rocky and Apollo falling to the mat at the same time. This movie also contains one of the most drawn out and boring coma sequences of all time with Adrian. Adrian can get annoying in general. The movie feels a lot like the original Rocky with him fighting Apollo again. Rating B
4. Rocky III
Rocky III refreshed the series in my opinion. It brought in an electric Mr. T who actually played the role of his life as Clubber Lang. I also like that there was two fights plus a wrestling match in this movie. The return of Apollo in a more personable role was a great idea and the death of Mickey was a disappointment, but most likely necessary. (The actor also died in real life shortly after filming). It is nice to see Rocky with a little money and a little more class after becoming the Champion of the World. There is also a little drawn out sequence in this movie as well where Rocky seems "scared" of Clubber or doesn't think he has what it takes, but it is nothing like the coma sequence with Adrian. Rating A-
3. Rocky Balboa (VI)
This was a great movie considering how many years it had been since the previous Rocky installment. When I heard that this was going to happen for sure I was very excited but also hesitant at what would really be possible with Stallone at his age, and also feared another Rocky V type installment. All my fears were squashed rather quickly. It was modern but didn't take away from the Rocky feel. The fact that the fight is so realistic really added something for me here despite Stallone's age. The relationship with the son was kind of lame once again, but a little better this time and made a lot more sense than in Rocky V. This is the Rocky movie that is my generation version of Rocky so I really liked this one. Rating A-
2. Rocky IV
Rocky IV was close to number one here. There is a lot that happens in this movie and I can guarantee this is the best fourth movie or third sequel to a movie ever. Dolph Lundgren makes his appearance as the massive Russian who actually murders Apollo Creed in a match. That is a little corny I will admit, but Apollo's death in that match surprised me more than almost anything in any other movie I have seen. Apollo also returns to the ring in the fight which was something I think I was ready for after a movie off with him in that capacity. Rocky then has the second best fighting sequence of the series and wins of course. I really like the training ensemble in this movie and Pauly is at his best. Also, Adrian is not around so much and I am happy with that as well. Rating A
1. Rocky
Rocky was the beginning of something special. The camera work was perfect for the grim reality they were portraying for Rocky Balboa's life. Apollo Creed was a great character to face off being the complete and polar opposite of Rocky. I love how they had Rocky knock him down on his first connected punch showing how powerful he was. The underdog story had been done before and has been done millions of time since, but I think this is one of the best available, even after so many years. If you have never seen this movie, don't wait, you need to jump on this immediately. The whole series is available on dvd at a very good price, but is also available now on BluRay at a wonderful price as well. Rating A+
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