Is It East vs. West...Or Man Against Man?

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2017)

In the pantheon of Rocky films, this fourth installment has received both high praise and much malignment. It seems as if you either love it or hate it, with no middle ground. To me, this film not only succeeds, but succeeds on two different levels: Cold War analogy, and present-day boxing environment.
For a basic plot summary, "Rocky IV" sees former champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) trying to make a comeback against the freakishly large Russian newcomer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). When Creed fails in the attempt to win the East-West battle, the task falls to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone).
The first level this film succeeds on is the Cold War analogy. This theme obviously played much better in 1985, but it still resonates to this day. It works because, on only one occasion (in Rocky's final speech), does it descend into sappiness. Otherwise, it tries not to make too much of a political statement.
However, if you don't buy into the Cold War angle, this movie still holds up well as a mirror of the current boxing culture. With the Klitschko brothers ruling the heavyweight division with their powerful blows that mask their glass chins (just like Drago), they have booted any American challengers from the top spots. This is probably just a lucky coincidence on director Stallone's part, but perhaps he can be given some credit for a bit of foresight.
Overall, this is a film that CAN be enjoyed, despite the objections of many. It takes a bit more suspension of reality than its predecessors to enjoy, but if you can buy in to the drama and spectacle, you will be cheering when the credits roll.