The Most Original and Underrated Rocky Movie.

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2014)

I love all Rocky movies equally. If I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be the first. I don't know why I like that one the most. If most people had to pick a worst, it would be this. I can see why people would find this the worst, but I don't get why it received so much negativity.
Having just defeated Moscow super-boxer, Ivan Drago, Rocky returns home. The Balboas discover that while they were gone, Paulie left power of attorney to their accountant who took all the money and accidentally lost it all. Plus they discover they have years of unpaid taxes. With Rocky's status, he would just need to do a few more fights to clear the money problems. But they find out that Rocky has suffered an irreversible brain injury that could be fatal if he continued fighting. So they move back to the ghetto and Rocky trains young upstart, Tommy Gunn, who is a huge fan of Rocky's. Rocky distances himself from his family and resentment from them towards him grows. When Tommy betrays Rocky, he learns he must fight once more. The first problem is getting Stallone's real son, Sage, to play his son in this. Rocky's son ages 5 years in 1 month. The next problem is how easily they moved back to the slums of Philly. Rocky is the biggest boxer in the world, so why didn't he do some commercials and other celebrity endorsements like he did in Rocky 3? These are the only problems I have with this.
What makes this movie great and the most original is the distinct message, subplots, and final fight. In every Rocky movie, the message is to follow your dreams and don't give up. They are conveyed differently in each of them. This one's main message is the importance of family. As Rocky's trainings were growing stronger and stronger, the respect from his family grew weaker and weaker. When Rocky finally does wake up, that last bit has a huge impact. Also, the subplots were great too, just like the others. The main and best one is crooked fight promoter, George W. Duke worming his way in Rocky's affair and Tommy's rise. Rocky knows all about people like him that do well at first then drain their clients dry. But Tommy doesn't. This subplot happens all the time in real life and is great to see on film. The last great thing is the final between Rocky and Tommy. Tommy challenges Rocky to a fight anywhere, which ends up being on the streets at that moment. The street fight is very well done. All haters of Rocky V admit that they loved the fight between Rocky and Tommy. Some say it might be the best in the series.
4/4