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

Rating: Null/10 (16 February 2007)

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...