Rocky IV

“Rocky IV” is the highest grossing in the franchise. Regardless, the movie is quite different when compared to the preceding films. The biggest difference is that there is more sports action than drama. Another difference is that this movie reflects the 1980’s more so than the other movies. I miss the two-dimensional opponents and Bill Conti's music themes. Despite all this, this sequel is still enjoyable.

I really could feel the difference that the absence of Conti had on the movie. Without “Gonna Fly Now” and the musical score that we are used to, things just aren’t the same. The political themes are also new to the franchise and also in this movie, Rocky has less of an inner conflict. He is trying to deal with Apollo’s death and Adrian’s indifference to fight but unlike the other films, he knows what he has to do and the inner conflicts are not so large as to stop him. This film has less drama as a result. As mentioned, this movie is very much set in the 1980’s and the materialism of the west is contrasted with the Russian scenes towards the end of the film. It is a good decision design-wise but it departs visually from the other movies. In “Rocky IV”, Apollo’s pride brings about his ultimate downfall. Adrian tries to warn him about the negative consequences of a fight with Drago but Apollo has made his decision. He doesn’t even listen to Rocky on two occasions. On a lighter note, it is great to see Apollo back in the Uncle Sam outfit. It is also fun to see James Brown. The reaction that Drago has to the opening musical number is genuine because this was Dolph Lundgren's first major film role. It is kind of sad that Bill Baldwin died before this movie but at least we have Stu Nahan and Lou Filippo in Vegas. I like the jokes just before the first round but my favorite is Rocky saying “We’re even”. Rocky and Apollo have an interesting history with debts and favors. We once again see contrast used in a Rocky film to create drama. The fun of the Las Vegas show is followed by the tragedy of Apollo’s death and then with the Russia scenes. Two times Rocky voices his reservations about Apollo’s fight and also after the first round, Rocky wants to stop the fight. Rocky could have stopped the fight by throwing in the towel but Apollo yells back not to do it. Rocky appears to have little guilt over Apollo’s death but he does feel obligated to finish what Apollo tried to do. Rocky couldn't call himself Apollo’s friend if he wasn’t willing to fight Drago and maybe suffer the same fate as Apollo. I like how Paulie gets involved in the press conference. He kind of represents the American losers (or “the unsilent majority” as he put it) that have something to say to the communists. I don’t see the reason for the montage as Rocky is driving. It does help us see where Rocky has come from and why he needs to fight Drago but wasn’t that just spelt out for us in the previous scene with Adrian? Rocky tells Adrian that he must use and trust in his heart. It is the only way to have an advantage.

Once again, Paulie hates where Rocky is training and that creates some great humor. Tony “Duke” becomes a very influential character starting in this film. He and Rocky continue their friendship in honor of Apollo. Also, unlike other films, Rocky seems to be doing pretty good in training for the fight. The only thing that Drago has over Rocky during training is the high tech equipment and steroids. Once Adrian shows up, Rocky goes from training pretty well to a gear higher than ever before. It could be just the use of music however that makes us think that. I like how Rocky is wearing Apollo’s hat during his training. I also love how Rocky loses his “chaperones”. Just before the final fight, it is great to see Rocky praying at the sink again. Also, Paulie for the first time says how much he adores Rocky and it is a powerful moment. This sets up one of the greatest jokes that is traditional before a Rocky fight where Paulie takes back what he said in a measure. Seeing as how Rocky is about to get the beating of his life, Paulie would not want to be in Rocky’s place. I have two favourite renditions of the Russian National Anthem. One was during the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in 2010 in Vancouver. The other is in "Rocky IV". The editing and musical performance of the anthem really set up the fight as monumental. It was a good choice for Stallone to utilize the anthem. It also depicts what Rocky is fighting against in that it isn’t just one man. Speaking of that, Rocky’s corner seems to represent America quite nicely. There is a strong warrior, a black man and a lazy fat man. As usual, Rocky is not doing too well and then something changes things. In this case, Drago gets cut. His confidence is shaken and Rocky capitalizes. The power of Rocky’s heart shows in the fight and Drago can sense it. Rocky keeps getting back up and he won’t give up. That is also an American quality. Rocky learns something in the fight with Drago that Adrian was trying to teach him: people can change. He felt that was true before Apollo’s death but he was blinded slightly by his desire to avenge Apollo. During the final fight, he understands and sees for himself that anyone can change. I do find it unrealistic however that the Russian crowd would convert over to Rocky so easily.

Here are some facts about the making of this movie. Carl Weathers almost walked away from the film because of difficulties with Lundgren during their fight scene. Stallone was even hurt by Lundgren during their fight and had to be taken to the hospital. “Rocky IV” however has little story drama when compared to its predecessors. It is still a fun and good film to watch but it doesn’t match up to the rest of the Rocky movies. It feels out of place. Considering the fact that this is the fourth film, another one was needed for resolution. It succeeded in some ways but in other ways, it didn’t.

4 Stars out of 5