"If I Can Change..."

Rating: 8/10 (21 October 2005)

Certainly the best of the Rocky franchise and one of the best movies ever, particularly in the Comedy/Action genre (not that it's supposed to be a comedy).
This movie picks up with Apollo in retirement, with Rocky the World Champ. When Russian sensation Drago hits the boxing world, it's clear the sport has changed as we know it. Apollo is grated by the Russian's brash attitude and begs Rocky to let him take him on in an exhibition. Rocky agrees and Apollo takes on Drago in the exhibition. Tragedy follows, and without giving too much away it's safe to say Apollo won't be making any more comebacks.
Rocky is crushed and is faced with an agonizing decision- does he take this like a little girl or does he seek revenge? Sure the Russian is twice his size, but Rocky has heart. This is where the movie takes off with some electrifying boxing sequences, music courtesy of "Survivor" and brilliant scripting, culminating in the best speech in the history of cinema. If you haven't seen it, rush to the video store now. You'll need to see this if you're planning on checking out Rocky XI, something I won't be doing as I've never seen Rocky V because I want the Rocky Franchise to end on a high for me, something I wished I'd done after Police Academy 4.