A powerful classic. The most popular Rocky movie but ranks second in terms of quality behind the original Rocky. This fourth installment has a touch of Ronald Reagan.

Rating: 7/10 (1 January 2001)

Since 1985 when I first watched Rocky IV in the theater then the many video viewings to watching it countless times on TV until finally buying a VHS copy five years ago with every watch this movie really uplifts me! I know that the boxing action and fight scenes in this Rocky are unrealistic it's like playing a video game with the sounds the punches make! People by now had come to love Rocky for the hearts and souls that his underdog performances touch and the lack of fight realism doesn't bother them. This installment is a very tragic and war like for Rocky when super boxer and fighting machine Russian Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) makes his arrival to the United States and first off he beats the life out of Rocky friend and former rival ex-champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) after Apollo's death we see the most determined Rocky ever as it's off to The Soviet Union to train! Rocky finds himself fighting for Apollo's spirit but also Old Glory! It's us against them. I must say the best done parts and uplifting parts of this movie are the training scenes which show the contrast between both Drago and Rocky it is displayed perfect in a brilliant montage that clashes the images together of Rocky's slogging through hip-deep snow while Drago has ultra-tech workouts. I know Drago has the best Soviet science and medicine and biomechanical makings of a champion but the blue-collar type training and determination of Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is the old-fashioned way we Americans not only love but want to do and be proud to be an American! The music played during this montage and also really throughout the entire film is so uplifting it forced me to buy The Rocky Story Soundtrack. The following songs "No Easy Way Out", "Hearts On Fire", and "Burning Heart" really helped influence my life they all are great motivational songs for anything you do in life. When the bell rings, the war begins! Rocky proves a heart can beat a merciless machine. After the victory Rocky's message to the Soviet Union crowd is important he thanks the crowd and says most important of all if I can change you can change we all can change thanks and god bless! If you remember 1985 when this film was released you remember the tensions that our country and then President Ronald Reagan had to deal with. That is why I say this film had a touch of Ronald Reagan. Thankfully the tensions with Russia dissolved and Stallone got his wish even if it was years later. Once again great supporting performances were given by Talia Shire and Burt Young they always help Rocky deliver that powerful punch. Rocky IV continues to get numerous airings on cable channels TBS and TNT but I'm sure most have watched this numerous times this film just has that special feel present that not only makes you proud to be an American but also live life to your best with the most determination. Rocky IV is the second best in the series the 1976 original is the best due to it's sentimental start of a nobody who made a legend but Rocky IV gives you the action that the legend (Rocky) should give back to his fans. Great film one of the best ever!