rocky IV REview
How I or you feel about any piece of art doesn’t determine the worth of that art or provide any conclusive commentary on whether said art is “good.” Art in any form be it music, paintings, television or chalk on a sidewalk derives its meaning from the emotional response it elicits. That all being said, and I will arrive at my point very soon, I have an entirely self-inflicted responsibility to provide my skewed and semi-interesting view on movies and television. And my opinion of Rocky IV is that I smile ear to ear every time I see it, I’ll never tire of Rocky versus Drago, and the soundtrack helps me to stay motivated and alert when jogging. I’d say about a quarter of the movie is training montage and I’m 100% OK with that. Stallone knows his audience and he gives them what they want. It’s admirable. Ivan Drago is larger than life, extremely dangerous and compassionless in his dedication to crushing anyone stupid enough to face him. He’s the perfect foil for Rocky. Even before Creed II humanized Drago I sensed he was a victim of the unbearable pressure his God-given talent and size afforded him. That he shows a complete lack of remorse after killing Apollo balances it out and fills up his mustache-twirling-villain ledger. We all have a list of movies that once started we feel compelled to finish. Rocky IV does it for me every time. I don’t see why anyone would go out of their way to criticize a movie that sets a goal for itself and accomplishes it with stunning accuracy.
I can make a case that Drago hitting the mat is the most stunning and satisfying overcome-the-odds moment in sports movie history. The earlier moment when Rocky first cuts him cuts deep for the viewer also. 10 out of 10.