This is the classic section, therefore I feel it is not entirely inapproprate to start a thread on classic boxing movies. What was your favorite Rocky flick. Mine was Rocky III. The cast was truly incredible: Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Carl Weathers, etc. I think Clubber Lang was a far more interesting foe than most of the rest. He talked smack like a typical Chicago tuff guy, and the whole concept of former champ Apollo Creed coming back to train former adversary Rocky was a nice twist in the plot. Rocky IV sucked in my opinion. Killing off Apollo Creed put a bitter taste in my mouth. Also, Dolph Lundgren was a terrible actor. His character had fewer than five lines in the whole movie, all of which were one liners in closed caption. The entire film had a very cold feeling to it. The lonliness of Rocky training in the Russian terrain. The training sequences were decent, but somewhat obsurd. At one point, we saw him running up a mountain wearing nothing but a leather jacket and duck boots. Rocky I was good. A real classic. rocky II was okay Rocky V was a bomb Rocky VI was decent given what little left he had to work with in terms of material.
Who did they (originally) base these films on again.. I forget the name I think it was a Chuck Wagon, or something like that.
After reading the Hagler v Lamotta Thread and the serious intensity there, this lighter fantasy boxing movie subject is a relief. Having said that, best in order. Rocky 1 Started it all Academy award great underdog story etc (not that it was anything new but) did it best Rocky 3 Story of a man fallen from grace dealing with reality, and having to come back against odds (cliche story but well done) Rocky 6 Closed out a series tastefully wo being too corny The others well 2 was a good sequel during the sequel age, but cookie cutter ( same may be said for 3 but). 4 and 5 well sucked but was entertainment, nough said which brings us to 6
I liked Rocky IV, simply for the fact that Rocky faces his ultimate test. He's at a signifigant height and reach disadvantage, a much better boxer than him (Creed) tried and failed to outbox the Russian Giant, so you know Rocky won't be able to, and due to Drago's inhuman punching power slugging it out with him wasn't a good idea. On paper, a fight Rocky absolutely could not win. Yet somehow, he finds a way to do the impossible. Will beats skill.
Basically. It was more escapist than the other films as well. Drago was more or less superhuman and I feel that the films needed to be whimsical after the previous three films.
Rocky III was my favorite. Success made the champ soft, he loses his title and has to rediscover the fighter in him. Comes back and whips the ultimate bad guy. It also has the best cast, and the best script. Micky: "Ya gotta have about a hundred pounds a brain damage to fight a wrestler. I seen wrestlers as big as dinosaurs. Ya ever fight a dinosaur Rock?" Rocky: "Why they carryin' him Mick?" Micky: "They ain't carryin' him. He's walkin." Rocky: "He looks really angry." Mickey; "Don't let it upset ya Rock." Rocky; "Wouldn't it upset you?" GREAT SCRIPT! Boo