Popcorn hedonism in the boxing ring

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2005)

Now I'm not claiming that Rocky IV is one of the great movies of all time, yet it is truly a popcorn movie to watch when you want to escape into the realm of 1980's, anti- communist, montage laden soup operas. It is truly the Rocky movies taken to the nth degree, with all its hedonistic glory. You not only have the famed death of Apollo Creed but a show down for the ages when Rocky must pummel not just another human, but the Soviet Union itself, single handy helping bring down communism(Yes its true, as Uncle Tom's Cabin was to slavery, Rocky IV was to communism). Everything in the movie is over the top, from James Brown singing "Living in America" with Apollo Creed coming down to the ring on a giant rams head, to Rocky running up a mountain in the middle of Siberia. Sylvestor Stallone(who did the triple threat as writer, director, and lead actor) takes this movie to where no Rocky movie can ever compare. One can not take it literally and point out all its flaws, which there are numerous, but must just sit back and enjoy the glorious ride. The original Rocky was a small story about a boxer from the mean streets of Philly, Rocky IV is a Shakespearian drama done in MTV styling and with TV movie like acting. Yes I did just compare Rocky IV to Shakespeare, what are you going to do about it? So in the end don't just watch this movie, experience it as a moment in cinema history that will never be repeated. Rocky IV is a ride: a crotch grabbing, America loving, sweaty body filled ride.