worst Rocky of the lot by far!!

Rating: 5/10 (22 April 2002)

An awful ending to a highly entertaining Anthology. The whole idea behind taking this rags-riches character who fought against all the odds, was a million to 1 shot, etc, and turn him back to the bum he was first time around goes against all the films previously stood for.
Returning from Russia, Rocky suffering from brain damage does not recognize his son has aged by about 5 years since he left (how long was he away for??) Enter G.W.Duke, an unscrupulous promoter, so based on a real life promoter that all he needs is the trademark haircut. He's only stating to work his magic when Rocky retires, again!!! i think he retired in every film didn't he? Rocky looses all his money because of a bent accountant, and has to sell his house, cars, motorbike (minus a crash helmet) to get by.
Back to Philly, where Paulie has his old place, Adrian has her old job, and Rocky has his old clothes, even his hat!! wheres the bouncy ball though? This is where he meets Tommy Gunn. who he takes under his wing and leads up the rankings whilst neglecting his kid. All's sweet until the evil promoter mentioned before gets his claws in and breaks up the Balboa/Gunn combo by promising the youngster a title shot, and a girlfriend with a hell of a cleavage.
Gunn takes the title but is looked on as a paper champ, "He ain't no Rocky", so he calls out Balboa to a street fight where they batter each other so OTT, that it makes the other Rocky fights look realistic. Balboa wins the fight Hooraaaaaaaay!! His sons love Hooraaaaaaay!! And then gives the promoter a good hiding. Only in America!! The scene in Mighty Micks featuring a cameo by the wonderful Burgees Meredith is the best thing to come out of the movie. It's an awesome performance by an actor the series missed after the 3rd film.
Pease Mr Stallone leave Rocky 6 on your writing desk.
G.W Duke: "With Health being fine what more can a man ask for?" Paulie: "Money and hair!"