Had heaps of potential, but squanders it all.

Rating: 4/10 (12 April 2015)

Had heaps of potential, but squanders it all.
The first Rocky is one of the most overrated movies of all time. Implausible plot, often dull and with some of the worst performances you'll see in a movie.
Rocky II was more of the same. Human drama for 90% of the film, followed by an intense fight scene. This time, however, the human drama side is more realistic and engaging and the movie flows better for it. Still not great, as it all feels kind of predictable, but it is less dull than the first movie.
Rocky III was even more of the same - the template has been created and was there to be used/abused.
Rocky IV used the same formula, but was just plain silly.
Rocky V had the potential to be the best of the lot. It completes the life cycle of a boxer: small-time boxer to champion to defending title to has-been and retiring to be a trainer. It also showed the potential appearance of a new champion and a new Rocky, in a fighter the trainer/ex-champion coaches - the torch has been passed. It also covered the long-term effects of boxing, so shows the pluses and minuses of the sport.
However, this is all for nothing. The plot ultimately degenerates into the usual Rocky vs nemesis fight at the end, with no lessons learned, and no point. It is a massive waste of opportunities.