A refreshing entry in the franchise, much underrated

Rating: 7/10 (3 November 2016)

Here's something surprising: I liked ROCKY V. I actually enjoyed it far more than the last sequel, that was nothing more than a retread of ROCKY III, substituting Dolph Lundgren for Mr T and achieving little else in the short running time. ROCKY V boasts a cracking story from Stallone that takes the saga in new directions, carefully avoiding the clichés and as a result breathing fresh life into what was becoming a tired series. To that end, director John G. Avildsen returns to the franchise for the first time since the original, and the film feels very close to that one in nature: there's a return to the gritty, on-the-street vibe that was missing before, and it's good to have it back.
Rocky's character has progressed since the last film. He's now a near-disabled man, disturbed by brain damage and past his prime. His relationship with his son (played by Stallone's real-life boy Sage) takes up much of the film, and it's an interesting one that's played to the hilt. Talia Shire and Burt Young don't have much to do again, but kudos for the return of Burgess Meredith for some genuinely moving and poignant flashbacks that brought a tear to this viewer's eye.
Some have cast doubt on the acting ability of newcomer boxer Tommy Morrison, but I found his acting suited the role perfectly: he's supposed to be a meathead, a jock, not some thespian. I enjoyed watching the storyline play out, the inevitable twist, and then I found the closing street fight simply refreshing: Stallone did well not to have his character return to the ring for yet another match. This way feels a lot better, a lot more real. Plus, it has one of my favourite Stallone moments, his classic "You knocked him down...now why don't you try knocking me down?" moment.