Rocky V

Name: Rocky V
Genre: Drama, Sport
Released: November 16, 1990
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 55
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire

1990

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Mixed or average reviews based on 16 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 137 Ratings

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5.7

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5.7	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 137 Ratings

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Rocky V

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Movie Details & Credits

MGM/UA Distribution Company | Release Date: November 16, 1990 | PG-13

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire

Summary: Upon returning home from his latest triumph, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) learns that all his money has been lost by an unscrupulous financial advisor. To make matters worse, his fight-related injuries force his retirement from the ring. So Rocky, his wife Adrian (Talia Shire) and his son Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone) move to their old,Upon returning home from his latest triumph, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) learns that all his money has been lost by an unscrupulous financial advisor. To make matters worse, his fight-related injuries force his retirement from the ring. So Rocky, his wife Adrian (Talia Shire) and his son Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone) move to their old, low-rent neighborhood in South Philadelphia. There, the fighter must resolve the deep-rooted resentment held by his son, a bitterness that grows when Rocky trains Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison), a young boxer who soon rises to national prominence. When Tommy turns against his mentor and publicly taunts him, Rocky knows he must fight once more. [MGM]… Expand

Director: John G. Avildsen

Genre(s): Drama, Sport

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 104 min

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Critic Reviews

Staff (Not Credited)

I didn't think there was a drop left in this formula, but Sylvester Stallone has reached down, gone into the well, pulled himself up from the mat and found the strength within to come back with one last Rocky movie that's better than all the other sequels and almost as good as the original. [16 Nov 1990, p.E1]

Gene Siskel

What is undeniably good about Rocky V is that our working-class hero returns to the grimy neighborhood from which he sprang. Seeing a more slender, "street" Rocky is a refreshing change of pace from the muscle-bound champ of Parts 3 and 4. [16 Nov 1990, p.C]

Michael Wilmington

In Rocky V, the fifth and presumably last episode of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa saga, the writer-star once again contrives a way to make his hulking, sad-eyed gladiator the underdog. And we get whiffs of funkiness and humanity stirring around for the first time since the original Rocky. [16 Nov 1990, p.1]

Mike Clark

Though a tacked-on fisticuffs finale has its charms, it rather contradicts the preceding. Mere subtleties are beyond Stallone and returning Rocky I director John G. Avildsen. [16 Nov 1990, p.4D]

Rob Beattie

Bemused out of the ring and brutal in it, Rocky has always been an uncomfortable hero, and it says something for Stallone's skill as a writer that he's been able to keep him going this long. Given the restrictions of the formula, Rocky V is a fitting — even graceful — way to finally hang up the gloves. Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

John G. Avildsen directs Stallone's primitive script with the corn it calls for, hoping to distract from the simplicity with a few fancy montages, and does a fairly good job with the climactic slugfest; but the dramatic moves are so obvious and shopworn that not even. Read full review

Rita Kempley

The only good thing you can say about "Rocky V" is that at least Stallone has the sense to throw in the towel. Read full review

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User Reviews

pick70

Sep 28, 2013

For true Rocky fans I feel they get it. Yes its hard to compare to Rocky 4 but in my opinion that is the best in the franchise. Now I know everyone wanted to see Rocky traing then in tue ring which could have easily beendone but they decided to go in a differnt direction. In Rocky one he wasFor true Rocky fans I feel they get it. Yes its hard to compare to Rocky 4 but in my opinion that is the best in the franchise. Now I know everyone wanted to see Rocky traing then in tue ring which could have easily beendone but they decided to go in a differnt direction. In Rocky one he was a loan shark with no money this movie returns Rocky to his roots and "the Duke" even says Rocky is a street fighter which he was. The point of the movie was what Adrian says in the street he's not Mickey and Tommy is not Rocky because he doesn't hhave his heart. The best line is when pauly gets knocked downbin the bar and Rocky says You knocked him down why dont you try and knock me down!" And Mickey telling him he has one more round and he didn't hear a bell speaks to Rocky's heart and it gives me goose bumps. This movie was panned by critics but what do they know? In closing if you dont watch every previous film then it wont have the same impact.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

Diptanshu

Jun 24, 2020

the best in franchise after 1st one its underrated gem!it was emotionally and mentally brilliant and satisfying,it was unique and fresh and new take on Rocky's journey rather than same plot another level fights,it was heart-breaking,touching and brilliant.the music was phenomenal,the storythe best in franchise after 1st one its underrated gem!it was emotionally and mentally brilliant and satisfying,it was unique and fresh and new take on Rocky's journey rather than same plot another level fights,it was heart-breaking,touching and brilliant.the music was phenomenal,the story was brilliant so does screenplay,the acting was iconic the new characters were amazing with there politics and the family was great,the starting comeback from Russia and the new challenge for rocky from new Manager it was like here we go again it felt like its going same way as prequels but it was surprising,the whole bankrupt thing and the cause for it the Paul he's like it just happened it was over the top and miss-fortunate thing,the reunion of old house and the streets were amazing the flashbacks of Mickey's were emotionally touching and great,the back in business for Rocky as trainer and the new Guy Tommy and there friendship at start was amazingly developed although in between it the Rocky jr's thing was heart-breaking and sad his arc throughout the story was brilliant and full of life lessons,the little and small details to society and parenthood it was brilliantly showcased.the Tommy's training and winning scenes were amazing,the main twist with brilliant play by manager brainwashing Tommy and using against Rocky it was heart-breaking and emotional the street scene it was strong and brilliant then the later match wining speech of Tommy not mentioning Rocky and him watching in TV was literally Emotional and strikingly sad,then the Rocky's Realization of whats good for everyone and all it was pure brilliant then the whole ending the people telling Rocky as real champion and Tommy's obsession to defeat Rocky and the manager's tactic to letting them fight then the whole ending emotional conversation and street fight it was pure mind-blowing and amazing it was emotionally great,the last punch to Manager was satisfying as hell.the Rocky throughout the movie is literally the Man of heart he's dedication and heart-breaks with his morals he was pure brilliant,the whole movie was emotionally,dramatically entertaining and satisfying arc for Rocky it's a underrated Masterpiece!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KelvinSelimor

Oct 6, 2020

Rocky V. Fighter of the ring and street. Controversial film. On the one hand, it is quite boring almost all the time. On the other hand, it is very atmospheric and effective at the end compared to the previous parts.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JPK

Jan 26, 2020

Rock Bottom
Rocky V isn’t awful, But it’s a huge disappointment compared to the first 4 films.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BigZ

Aug 29, 2014

The Rocky franchise has carried itself in a particular fashion that has made it popular and profitable. I feel like Rocky V strayed from that fashion. It claims to be an even further reach back into Rocky's roots as a street fighter and that that was a prominent part of his character allThe Rocky franchise has carried itself in a particular fashion that has made it popular and profitable. I feel like Rocky V strayed from that fashion. It claims to be an even further reach back into Rocky's roots as a street fighter and that that was a prominent part of his character all along when it really was never established in any of the other films except vaguely in the first Rocky. There is merit in the story, and a lot of heart involved in the struggle Rocky has in salvaging what's left of his life and providing for his family. It was a new direction that was just too far for me. Were it standing on its own I may think better of it but considering its prequels and sequel, this is the runt.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Kai82

Oct 19, 2020

The weakest movie in the Rocky franchise. It is more of a misstep. For example: Can you summarize the story of the movie so others would be hyped or interested to see this movie? Yes without a doubt. This is an indicator as everything in this movie can work if done correctly or with aThe weakest movie in the Rocky franchise. It is more of a misstep. For example: Can you summarize the story of the movie so others would be hyped or interested to see this movie? Yes without a doubt. This is an indicator as everything in this movie can work if done correctly or with a different approach. Lets start with the story: Rocky is back at the USA after the events of Rocky 4. His health has however suffered terribly. Because he was fooled by an accountant he lost all his wealth and is back were he began as his health prevents him from boxing. He decides to become a trainer like Mickey and meets a young aspiring boxer named Tommy Gunn starting to train him. There are also side stories about his family but I stop here as more would ruin the story (Yes, many will claimed it is already ruined by default). From this alone it looks like an awesome movie. It fails in delivering the impact, emotions and characters. It is like doing stuff on a to do list without (enough) care or knowing how it works. Even Sylvester Stallone did not like the movie. It was nominated for 7 or 8 golden raspberries if I remember correctly. The characters again are diluted or weakened by the script. For example there are great scenes that show the potential but then there are others that feel like poorly scripted attempts to get it over. I think I am moving in circles so lets get to my final rating. Overall this is a misstep that had great potential but failed to deliver. Not near the worst movies of all times but also not recommendable. May be compared to Star Trek 5 as it is also the worst in the series but had also great potential. Bonus knowledge: The mentioned Rocky Marciano (Rocco Francis Marchegiano) is a boxer you defiantly should know. He is the only heavyweight champion that finished his career undefeated (49-0). He was not only an excellent boxer but also spent his money the smart way and stopped a potential comeback when he realized he was not as good as before. Remark: Rocky is not inspired from him. Chuck Wepner inspired Sylvester Stallone for Rocky.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Jk9785

Nov 19, 2018

Been there, done that, the film sucks. Every bit of it is pretentious and stupid, with terrible performances, including that of the usually reliable Stallone.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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