Review of Rocky IV (1985) by Kai82 — 18 Oct 2020

Maybe another case of a so bad it is good movie. Be warned for many this is garbage and even I who find it entertaining would not (completely) disagree. It uses the Rocky formula of an underdog trying to break the odds with emotional baggage.

Here they added the cold war or rivalry between Russia and the USA. Soviet boxer Ivan Drago played by legendary Dolph Lundgren visits the USA with a delegation. They challenge Rocky to an exhibition fight.

Rocky does not want to participate but his friend Apollo Creed wanted to have a remarkable last exit before he quits. Now the story progresses and everyone will know that it will end in a fight between Rocky and Drago at the climax of the movie.

It is so predictable that no one considered it even as spoiler. Which is a main complaint for the movie. While still somehow entertaining it is foreseeable and unoriginal. The movie won 5 of the golden raspberries.

But I must admit that Ivan Drago / Dolph Lundgren does a great and praiseworthy job. He is an intimidating and powerful antagonist. Also Carl Weathers and Tony Burtons performance is again great. Then there is the patriotism and east vs west mixed in.

It is a borderline idea. It is entertaining and especially the conclusion is great but I see why many hate it or find it overcharged. Then there is the excellent soundtrack. Survivor did it again. With “Burning Hearth” they made another classic that is played even today from time to time in the radio.

There are other great tracks like “Hearths on Fire”, “Eye of the Tiger, “No easy way out” and “War”. Worth buying the soundtrack. But lets go to my overall rating. This is so far the weakest in the franchise without a doubt.

It is however really entertaining and this is the definition for the so bad that it is good movies. Worth watching.