The Darkest Rocky film, but possibly the greatest in pure heart.

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2019)

If any of you have seen my previous review on Rocky III. You know that's my favorite Rocky film, but that's not saying this one isn't good. Because the more I see it, the more great it gets with age.
Rocky is of course enjoying family life, when Ivan Drago (How to Train Your Dragon 2 stole his last name.) A Soviet boxer comes to America and challenges Rocky Balboa to an exhibition match. Apollo Creed wants to prove he's got what it takes, so he takes the match instead of Rocky. First thing to notice is that Apollo told Rocky that it's not just a match, it's them against Russia. And though Rocky didn't realize it, it was. It was an East vs West battle. Unfortunately Creed is killed when fighting Drago. Leaving Rocky to challenge him to avenge his good friend.
I have to had it to whoever chose the music for this film. The songs really pop on this soundtrack! Like "No Easy Way Out", "Hearts On Fire" and so much more.
What I love also is when Rocky arrives in Russia. The whole setting is like it's telling the viewer. "This is Russia. Where that evil boxer Drago was born. He was trained and born in this awful place." It really makes the resolve of Rocky even more powerful than ever.
After some really cool training montages and support from Adrian. Rocky faces Drago. It seemed impossible to beat Drago at first. But with Rocky's endurance and his pure heart, he beats Drago. Despite Drago training hard and using steroids. I also love Rocky's speech at the end, it wasn't long and thought out like most speeches, but you got what he was saying, and it really impacts your heart.
I am super glad I purchased this movie on Blu-Ray, and it's free on Prime Video right now! If only they could release it with Movies Anywhere. But really good film that will never get old!!