Not so bad...

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2002)

This isn't the worst of the Rocky films. That distinction almost certainly goes to Rocky IV. There's no jingoism here, no larger than life characters, no annoying flash and glitz. This film tries to capture the essence of the first film, a likeable down and out bum who tries to aspire to greater things. Many have complained about the lack of a climactic boxing match at the end. You have to settle for a brief street tussle instead. But none of the Rocky films should be approached as sports or boxing films. If you want to see that, go rent "Girlfight" instead. Rocky has always been about the underdog struggling in the face of adversity. It has always been about aspiring to greater things. The third and fourth sequels of this franchise really moved away from that in an attempt to create a larger than life character. If you can look past the cheesy music and 80's era schmaltz, there is a thoroughly enjoyable film behind it. And it has a heart too. Rocky V is for anybody who has struggled in life and denied their big break. 10/10