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My personal fave!

Rocky IV starring Sylvester Stallone is my personal fave of the Rocky franchise. Rocky IV is outrageous, campy, and memorable. This is the Rocky where he fights that Russian guy, something tragic happens in the first hour and Rocky wants revenge. The perfect '80s film, I highly recommend it!

This Cinematic Masterpiece Should be Up With the Likes of Casablanca, the Godfather, and Gone With the Wind

This cinematic masterpiece is the most under-appreciated film of our time. Explain to me this, how can we as Americans not appreciate the fact that without the contributions of American hero Rocky Balboa in this film, the Cold War would still be going on. When Rocky delivers his monologue, it is perhaps one of the best speeches known to man. Sure there was that Lincoln fellow in his Address to the Gettysburgians, and the Martin Luther King fellow. But as influential as their speeches were, none compare to the magnitude and the repercussions that this speech brought about. For all of those individuals who lived in the time of the Cold War, they know that life was tough, to put it simply. And without this man's bravado and courageousness, we'd still be in a time of nuclear proliferation and fear. This man put his body and mind on the line, and even came out with severe brain damage as a result. A true patriot he is, along with the likes of William Wallace and Tyrone Hill, and what they each brought to their countries. Drago was a representation of all that was wrong in the world. Steroids, corruption, communism, and pure hatred. But even he, the abominable monstrosity that he was, couldn't defeat the Italian Stallion himself. But despite what one man's force can do, the power of words is enough to conquer a nation, as Rocky did with this monologue."During this fight, I've seen a lot of changing, in the way you feel about me, and in the way I feel about you. In here, there were two guys killing each other, but I guess that's better than twenty million. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!" The sheer power, diction, and confidence that he brought upon that Russian crowd conquered the Soviet Union, and began the fall of communism. When I saw this film, and more importantly the monologue, I was feeling perhaps what Moses felt when he saw the Burning Bush on the Mountain of Sinai. A rush of adrenaline, passion, and invigoration that no one has ever felt before.So I call upon you, as Americans, to step forth from this day with a new sense of pride and patriotism, for there is good in a world smug with so much evil and prejudice. May the power and grace of Rocky's words bless you all as if they've done upon myself.EVERYBODY CAN CHANGE, so can you.

Rocky meets the scientifically trained Russian wonder-boy.

Lots of really bad eighties music here - I happen to like a lot of eighties music, but in this film the music is really bad, nothing at all like "eye of the tiger" - the fighting sequences resemble more of a regular action film fight (realism is down low). Come on; a 16 rounds fight of heavyweight, with both boxers throwing nothing but knockout-punches? A cramped place full of Russians, maybe five Americans including Rocky and his team?! And the Russians actually ending up cheering Rocky?! What crap.But I still enjoyed the movie! It's Rocky - never give up, never surrender, eye of the tiger (and the Russian Bull!), THE BEST training sequences so far of the four films, well, I was still sitting like glued to the screen, enjoying my ass off! Go for it.

No Credibility, But Sure Is Entertaining

Here's another low-brained but very entertaining "Rocky" movie with one more interesting villain. Instead Of "Apollo Creed" or "Mr. T.," we now have "Ivan Drago,"(Dolph Lundgren) a giant Russian who is more like a machine. He's "indestructable" (and on steroids, too, and unlike some baseball slugger, he admits it!). He has the latest in technology, nutrition, etc., but you just know the much-smaller disadvantaged hero "Rocky Balboa" (Sylvester Stallone) will somehow find a way to chop this "Goliath" down.Minute-for-minute, this might be the most entertaining of all the Rocky films, and looks good on DVD despite some graininess in the first five minutes. Rocky's wife "Adrian" (Talia Shire) never looked better: mature and pretty; the gruff and profane manager played Burgess Meredith is gone and the repellent obnoxious slob "Paulie" (Burt Young) has only a few lines. This is the ultimate "David vs. Goliath" tale in every aspect and the final bout - held in Russia - breaks the all-time Rocky record for most punches ever thrown at two fighters. Of course, any real-life human would have been knocked cold about 50 times had they suffered the blows "Rocky" did in this fight! This is a real flag-waving film with Rocky draping the Stars and Stripes around his shoulders. It's a totally unrealistic story but, all of these in the series were similar, credibility-wise, so just go along with it and enjoy the story. It's only an hour-and-a-half and story literally flies by.

This film will pump you up!

Rocky IV really stood out from the rest of the Rocky films to me, with the whole America versus Russia ordeal. Now it has been mentioned by other critics that this is inaccurate, but who really cares??? The point is that you really get to the point where you want Sly to kick Dragos butt in the ring. I enjoyed the training montage, and the boxing scene was so entertaining for me. And with the Russian leaders, and the Russian public standing up and cheering and clapping for Rocko.. a bit corny but so great.Talia shire in my opinion is at her best in this one out of all the other ones; she seems more confident and easier to get along with her character. And one of the most dramatic scenes to hit cinema was the death of Carl Weathers(Apollo Creed). The idea of fighting for the death of his friend, and for himself is just so inspirational. It just makes you want to jump up and get in the ring to help rocko. Out of a perfect score of 10, i gave this one a 7.

The pits

* out of ****The fourth installment in the Rocky series is, in almost every respect, the pits. It is in overblown concoction of bad acting, bad writing, and bad directing. It's really a musical, with an occasional, poorly written scene that merely recycles plot points from the earlier movies, because there's a new song playing every five minutes, whether it's playing over Rocky driving his high priced car or being performed by James Brown. Imagine James Brown performing in the original Rocky. Through all this though, Carl Weathers manages to give a high energy performance, once more, as Apollo Creed. Besides Carl Weathers, there are no other notable performances. Poor Burt Young, who once brought humor to the franchise, has been reduced to political mumbo jumbo. The final fight between Rocky and the super Soviet Ivan Drago is the only part of the movie well executed, but at the same time is wholly unbelievable. When I say final fight, that does not include the few minutes following the fight, for that my friends will make you cringe. During the " No Easy Way Out" montage, clips from the previous Rocky movies are shown. This is the saddest part of the movie because it makes the viewer realize how much they used to care for these characters, before the Rocky franchise became a formulaic, money making machine.

the Second most entertaining Rocky movie

The whole plot of Rocky IV could be put on the back of a potage stamp – Apollo dies; Rocky seeks revenge. Nothing else happens. None of the characters change. Well, aside from Apollo, but he only changes because he croaks it. But despite the fact that the film is wafer thin and deeply dumb, I still can't help but love Rocky IV. it's bleedin' brilliant.Stallone really took to the MTV style of editing in III and does it again here, with the training montages, Survivor/James Brown/Robert Tepper tunes, etc. very well. I personally enjoyed the contrasts-see Stallone chop wood. See Drago pump iron. See Stallone run across a snowy field. See Drago run on an Olympic treadmill. See Stallone do crunches while half-suspended from a loft. See Drago bend every conceivable advanced weight machine outta shape as he flexes and trains. See Stallone eat his spinach. See Drago take his Steroids....Stallone was in the shape of his life in this year as he filmed Rocky and Rambo back to back and it shows. I have never seen a more sculpted man in the movies than he was here.One of the funniest things about Rocky IV is the fact that it's basically just one big music video – it should have been renamed Rocky: The Musical.Whenever a bit of character development is called for another music video kicks in.Apollo's is whipping up patriotism "living in America Oh, Apollo's dead? We'll have a music video of Rocky moodily driving his car (There's no easy way out). Oh, Rocky's got to go to Russia? We'll have shots of Russian soldiers and we'll play some pop song about two worlds colliding "Two worlds collide, rival nations."but ignore that and watch it again and try to remember what it was like when you first saw this film back in the summer of 85. I remember I was 8 and my sister took me to see it.I remember the place was packed and you want to talk about a place erupting like a volcano, then this was the place. When Rocky finally hits Drago to cut him over the eye and Duke yells " he'scut, he's cut! " the crowd went into a frenzy. And you can look no further than that as to why the Rocky films were so popular. It doesn't matter if you are American, Portuguese, Polish or Dutch or whatever, Rocky appeals to all of us. That is the beauty of Rocky. If Rocky can do it then dammit so can I! When the movie ended on that cold night back in 1985, and people were filtering out to their cars for the drive home, I swear I could hear the crowd chanting his name, as did the millions..... and millions of the Rock's fans." Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!"

Ridiculous, entertaining.... but not true to the originals.

As a kid, Rocky IV was the film I most wanted to see in the cinema - ever!! The hype was huge - I dreamt about the movie before even seeing it! I remember the aura surrounding the huge mysterious new bad guy in Drago and the rumours that Apollo gets killed.Watching it as an adult though is obviously an entirely different experience. The film has dated mainly due to the anti-USSR overtones - but then this was made in the mid 80's cold-war era. It is laughable at times, what with Paulie's talking robot - the ridiculous press conference before Rocky v Drago, the sports scientists and their massive 80's computers and all the stereotypical portrayals of Russians and KGB agents - hey even ex-president Gorbachev(complete with stained forehead) is in it!! Then there are the silly pop-video type scenes, the poor acting from the boxers' wives, and that cheesy final scene with Rocky's kid and friends watching the fight on TV (btw: poor casting of Rocky's son - both his parents are Italian-Americans yet the boy here wasn't -an indication of the lack of attention to detail and slipping standards in the Rocky series.)The best thing about Rocky IV are the 2 fights, although totally unbelievable and the training scenes. Hats off to Dolph Lundgren, Stallone and Carl Weathers for getting into such fantastic physical shape for this film - it will probably inspire you to hit the gym and has that feel-good factor like Rocky III did.

What Was Sylvester Stallone Thinking

Rocky 4 is poor in plot, period. And does any notice we don't hear the Rocky music even once in this movie, who made that call, that music is like tradition. Sylvester Stallone doesn't really do a fine acting job in this movie, his character is really less appealing then in the 3 movies before. Again, he plays the underdog opponent, against Ivan Drago played by Dolph Lundgren, who would go on to do a few action movies of his own. Burt Young is again used for Comic relief in this movie and it works in a few ways. Carl Weathers is in the movie for about 20 minutes, dies in the movie, kind of kills the movie right there, killing another great character in the series. Talia Shire is not her usual voice of reason in this film, in fact she plays almost against Rocky in this movie, when he decides to go to Russia, and she adds power in her role for that. Talia Shire is really a good actress, and the Rocky movies show that. Tony Burton probably the best performance ever given by him in the series, he really was a a good character in the movie.Overall, this movie is poor on story, the acting is really good however, from such actors like Talia Shire, Burt Young, and Tony Burton. The movie has its moments but it doesn't really save it much.

great movie

All of the Rocky Movies are great, but the fourth one really got to me. When Rocky's early trainer Apollo Creed dies when the huge Russian Boxer Ivan Drago gets him in the head, Rocky isn't happy at all. This movie shows that Rocky has true emotion and that he loves his family and friends so much. Rocky tries so hard to be Drago, even being followed by two people that won't let him out of their sight. Rocky wins, with a tough fight, but with the Russians on his side, its a great win. The music is the best music in all the rocky movies such as "Burning Heart" and "Theres no easy way out", One of my personal favorites. This one will leave you with tears and happiness, a great one to buy or rent.

Rocky IV: Balboa Vs. Drago

This was an okay sequel. It has new composer Vincent DiCola who directs the score. Anyway, the movie starts out with Apollo Creed(Carl Weathers) who thinks that he can beat 6'4 Russian Boxer Ivan Drago(Dolph Lundgren). Drago has never boxed before. So Rocky(Sylvester Stallone) prepares to be Apollo's manager. At the fight, gets cut deep in the face badly, but Apollo still wants to fight. Then near the end of the second round, Drago kills Apollo in a single punch. Days later, Rocky plans to travel to the Soviet Union to face Drago and to train. Since Mickey or Apollo can't train him, Duke(Tony Burton), Apollo's old trainer, trains him. This was a really entertaining a heart stopping film and I do recommend this.

Its been done already

This film is silly. It is just a remake of the first 3. Its too predictable, and assuming that you never saw the film before no prizes for guessing who the (yawn) winner is.

Why this film was made is beyond me. They should have donated the films budget to charity instead.

Ooooo...Rocky fights He-Man!

Ok, no nukes, the cold war, it was 1985 after all. No excuse for this one. It's better than Rocky 3 though. I hated to see Apollo go out like that but you had to wonder when one of these guys would get killed. Dolph Lungren makes Stallone look like a midget. Drago is stiff and awkward. So is this movie.

This Rocky is a bit much, but still okay.

Yes, this Rocky takes aim at the cold war between the US and Russia or USSR that was taking place during the time of this movie. This one is also more over the top than part three and just not realistic at all. Still, those training sequences in this movie as well as parts of the fight really get one's blood pumping. The movie has a Russian boxer coming to America to take on any challenger bold enough to go head to head with him. For some reason, this infuriates Apollo and he is the one to challenge the Russian. Well the fight occurs and tragedy occurs, to much tragedy we lose one of the most interesting and fun Rocky characters when all he had to to was lose and maybe get partially paralyzed or something. Apollo dying just mirrored Mickey's death in the previous movie to much. Well now Rocky wants revenge and he is going to Russia to fight the monster that killed his friend. Great training scenes occur and Rocky and the monster fight. The fight is a bit much, but still cool. This movie has a fast flow, so despite its flaws it is an okay film.

Excellent

Loved this film - i have become a bit of a Rocky addict and I think that this film helps bring the Rocky story to its peak. Once you've seen I, II and III you'll understand why. Slyvester Stallone plays one of his best roles and you can never get tired of watching him in Rocky. He plays the role so well you can believe that Rocky exists as a person.I think I especially like Rocky IV because of the the plot line and was left feeling empowered from watching it. Bringing war and politics into something as simple as boxing is well done.I like Dolph too - its very clever how he does not have much script, giving him a mysterious and strong feel to his character!

The fourth part...

Well,well Rocky IV. A real blockbuster when it came out back in '85. Although the fans enjoyed it the critics really didn't. Sylvester Stallone plays the underdog turned people's champ Rocky Balboa for the fourth time. This time the enemy is played by swedish giant Dolph Lundgren as the Russian destroyer Ivan Drago. Rocky's foe turned friend Apollo Creed has decided that he wants to fight the russian in a exhibition bout. He is awfully confident about himself before the fight,but not so much after. He is actually killed by the hard shots coming from the Siberian bull. After this Balboa is outraged and decides that he is gonna step away from the title. The fight between Drago and Balboa takes place on Christmas day in Moscow. It's a hardfought battle with Balboa being really shaken up during the fight,but luckely manage to knockout Ivan Drago in the fifteen round. I love this movie very much,maybe it's because Iam a real Rocky fanatic. I think it's only the second best sequal in the Rocky series with the third one from 1982 being the better one. It do deserve the 5 stars I have given.

The Ultimate Rocky Film With Compelling Life Messages

I disagree with most of the crtical reviews of this movie 150%! Not only was this movie my favorite Rocky film (YES, even more than the original Rocky), it is one of my all time favorite movies which I have seen dozens of times and NEVER grow old of it. So much so it became the inspiration of the main graphic on my business web site.

Why? For many reasons.

To me the Rocky theme never grows old. It is the classic "Hero's Journey." The underdog in life that is challenged to pull deep within, fight the inner "demons," connect with one's true strength and inner potential and triumph in the end.

What makes Rocky IV different and more potent in my mind is the contrast in themes. In this movie, Rocky is at the top of his game (in fact retire with all the trappings of success) and is forced to look deep within again but for a much deeper and more soul provoking reason. His best friend and original boxing contender -- Apollo Creed -- has lost his life in the boxing ring to the testerone-driven, freakish, goliath-like Russian boxing challenger. This castrophe forces Rocky to do some deep soul-searching about how "he sold his passion for glory." (from "The Eye of the Tiger" song).

How many people in the business world and life in general, sacrifice their passion for glory?! Probably 95+%. Being a business coach, I constantly look for movies, books, stories that coach people in their businesses. To me this movie has that compelling message. "We must fight to keep our passions alive."

The other aspect that I like about this movie is the strong contrast between nature and technology. Rocky flies off to the desolated mountains of Siberia using nature as his training ground, connecting with his true inner strength. The Russian on the other hand uses all the latest high tech gear and non-stop steroids to build his massive robotic body that looks more like a machine. Another valuable lesson.

While technology has tremendous value to our society, how often do we allow technology to rule our lives, stripping us of our of our connection with ourselves and other people, making us feel more like machines?

If you look at this movie as just a boxing movie, you miss the deeper lessons it can have for your life. Go watch this movie with new eyes and see its brilliant message unfold in front of your eyes.

Most of the film was great but the end was terrible!

The movie had a lot of great scenes, especially the boxing scenes, but it was one of the most unbelievable endings I have ever seen! There is no way a small, weak guy like Stallone would defeat a huge, strong and powerful MAN like Dolph Lundgren. I'm sorry Sly but it was just too much, even for fiction.

"I m-u-s-t b-r-e-a-k y-o-u!"

I really have to say it: Dolph Lundgren fits really well into his robot-like, stone-faced evil Russian guy-role. He does a good job with his part here, like he also does a few years later with the same kind of role in in "Red Scorpion". I don't know what the Russians think of being portrayed like that, but it's just so fun and so 80's or early 90's. There are many great moments in this movie. The introduction to the fight between Apollo and Drago is really entertaining and funny. The preparations for the final match is also great, especially because the scenes are matched with the great song "No Easy Way Out". And of course, the final fight itself is good. Stallone did a good job getting in shape for this movie.

Definitely not "great"...but great for me

I've read a lot of the posts and there is definitely a dividing line between those who hate this movie, and those who love it. Here's my two cents: Is this movie a "great" movie? ("great" as in movies like "As Good As It Gets" that have great acting by great actors) Absolutely and totally not! Is it cheesy with the 80's music, predictable plot of Invincible Villain versus a beloved underdog? Absolutely yes! Is it all about training scenes, boxing, and action? Pretty much! Is there much substance to the movie? It could be argued, but the substance that is there is a little contrived. (Seriously: would a stadium full of USSR fans really chant for Rocky near the end of the fight?) Having said all of that: I love this movie! Here's why: I remember seeing this movie in the theaters when I was 10 years old. Of course being that young, loving Rocky movies, and not caring at all if it was actually a "good" movie, I walked out of the theater with my best friend, went home, and began training and boxing! I mean...how many people have finished a Rocky film and not wanted to start boxing the first thing you see? The point is: through 10 year old eyes this movie was awesome! Fast forward a few years. Growing up in the 80's mind you, I didn't see the music being as cheesy as I do today. I loved the Training Montage music and remember running with my portable tape player (no CD's yet) and as soon as the song was done, I would rewind it and play it again. I did that for miles! As I grew older did I see Rocky IV for everything I said at the beginning of this thread? Yes. Did that stop me from loving it? NO! It still inspired me...the music still inspired me.And now here I am, still loving the movie, still loving the music. Why? I think a lot of it is nostalgia. It takes me back to that 10 year old boy and I have those same feelings...it takes me back to when I was 16 and ran everyday with that music. I love the way it makes me feel, and I still think despite all of its problems...it is still inspiring. It still inspires me to keep exercising!So, even though it isn't "great", I will still love and watch this movie...cheesy plot-line, music, message, and all...