Rocky V (1990) Movie Review

Synopsis:

After a lifetime of in-ring competition, boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) retires. Rocky’s circumstances get worse once he loses his estate. He finds a new lease on life by training up-and-coming heavyweight boxer Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison).

Review:

It is no secret that the Rocky franchise has been a successful venture. Sylvester Stallone’s underdog Rocky Balboa captured many viewers’ attention.

Though many may think the series lost some of its heart as it went on, the franchise remained popular.

After many Sylvester Stallone-led sequels, John G. Avildsen returned to direct the fifth film.

John attempts to bring Rocky back down to earth, focusing on more character drama.

Whilst his intention may seem genuine, Rocky V has difficulty replicating the original’s success.

Rocky V contains a weak script, a formulaic story, and less consistent acting.

Much of the film’s melodrama comes in the form of Talia Shire’s Adrian and Stallone’s Rocky.

While the two give above-average performances, the film's standard story lets them down. This film’s overuse of melodrama also makes it difficult to invest in the proceedings.

This affects the pacing as a result, which meanders often. Rocky V’s antagonistic presence is also lacking in the form of Tommy Morrison’s Tommy Gunn.

As a professional boxer at the time, the actor is convincing enough when he steps into the ring. Outside of the ring is where the actor stumbles.

His line delivery is not convincing, lacking range in most areas. Furthermore, he lacks the presence of many of the previous films’ antagonists for Rocky.

Still, their mindless street brawl at the end of the film may entertain some fans.

Another character that Rocky V introduces is Richard Gant as George Washington Duke.

For context, his character is a loudmouth boxing promoter. To say his character gave an over-the-top performance would be an understatement.

Each scene involves the actor shouting or waving his arms around. For fans of this style of comedy, they may find some entertainment.

Some Rocky fans may also find Bill Conti’s music in Rocky V to be disappointing. Though his classic theme is present, it is not used often enough.

To compensate, Bill uses other themes in the film. While they are decent, they lack the presence of his original themes.

Fans may also find Rocky V’s visuals to be underwhelming.

Outside of a couple of good shots, Rocky V’s visuals are flat and uninspired. This also speaks to the film’s quality as a whole.

Where Rocky V finds some strength is Rocky’s interactions with his son, Rocky Balboa Jr. (Sage Stallone.)

As Sage was Sylvester Stallone’s real-life son, their interactions are genuine. If the film focused more on this dynamic over Tommy Gun, it would have been more watchable.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Rocky V is a meandering film with a melodramatic story. Though it is well-intentioned, its weak script brings it down.

This is evident in its approach to characters and its over-reliance on drama.

Talia’s Shire’s Adrian and Sylvester’s Rocky fall prey to this. This is despite their above-average performances.

Characters such as George Washington Duke and Tommy Gunn are also weak additions.

While Tommy Morrison is good in the ring, his acting performance is not up to par.

This is the opposite of Richard Gant’s character, who is over-the-top to the point of parody. Some of the film’s other weaknesses are Bill Conti’s music and the visuals.

Though Bill uses his classic themes from time to time, they are not prominent enough. As a result, this makes his score for Rocky V disappointing.

This film’s visuals are also flat and lifeless. Although there are a couple of good shots, the rest of the film is not very inspiring.

Where Rocky V improves is with Rocky’s interactions with his son. As Sage Stallone was Stallone’s son in real life, their interactions are authentic.

All things considered, Rocky V’s weak script and story may disappoint many fans.

Even for Rocky enthusiasts, Rocky V proves that putting the gloves back on may not have been a good idea.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 5.5/10

Pacing - 5/10

Visuals - 6/10

Soundtrack - 6/10

Overall score: 5.7 out of 10