User reviews

Here's another low-brained but very entertaining "Rocky" movie with one more interesting villain. Instead Of "Apollo Creed" or "Mr. T.," we now have "Ivan Drago,"(Dolph Lundgren) a giant Russian who is more like a machine. He's "indestructable" (and on steroids, too, and unlike some baseball slugger, he admits it!). He has the latest in technology, nutrition, etc., but you just know the much-smaller disadvantaged hero "Rocky Balboa" (Sylvester Stallone) will somehow find a way to chop this "Goliath" down.

Minute-for-minute, this might be the most entertaining of all the Rocky films, and looks good on DVD despite some graininess in the first five minutes. Rocky's wife "Adrian" (Talia Shire) never looked better: mature and pretty; the gruff and profane manager played Burgess Meredith is gone and the repellent obnoxious slob "Paulie" (Burt Young) has only a few lines.

This is the ultimate "David vs. Goliath" tale in every aspect and the final bout - held in Russia - breaks the all-time Rocky record for most punches ever thrown at two fighters. Of course, any real-life human would have been knocked cold about 50 times had they suffered the blows "Rocky" did in this fight!

This is a real flag-waving film with Rocky draping the Stars and Stripes around his shoulders. It's a totally unrealistic story but, all of these in the series were similar, credibility-wise, so just go along with it and enjoy the story. It's only an hour-and-a-half and story literally flies by.

In 1976, a phenom was born. By now we are all aware of the story of how Stallone wrote the screenplay for Rocky in three days after watching a fight between an extreme underdog and a highly favoured champ. Stallone was a nobody back then yet he still stood his ground and didn't sell out to the producers until they promised him the title role. The rest they say is history. Well 9 years later, after three Rocky films, in my opinion comes the best one. I realize that Rocky was all story and then a climatic boxing match and that is what won the film the Oscar. And even though I can admit that this film is not as concerned with character developement as it is with training montages and bulging muscles, it is by far and away the most entertaining film of the 5. And that is what I enjoy about the film. I love that Rocky IV has some of the best training montages ever filmed. I love that it has the heart of a lion when it shows Rocky scaling a mountain that you know damn well he shouldn't be able to. And I absolutely love the boxing match at the end of the film. This was completely choreographed by Stallone and he and Dolph Lundgren boxed for real for about 75% of the match. Stallone felt that it needed some authenticity so that was the way to do it. And if you think Robert De Niro is an impressive method actor, try this fact on for size. When filming the boxing match, some of the scenes were so real that Stallone was rushed to hospital because his heart was actually pushed up and his ribcage was slightly shattered. So when you watch that match at the end, just know that what you are seeing is not exactly choreography and trick camera work. They did the best job they could to keep the look of the fight as real as possible. And I think this is the best boxing match ever filmed, with all due respect to Raging Bull.

Stallone was in the shape of his life in this year as he filmed Rocky and Rambo back to back and it shows. I have never seen a more sculpted man in the movies than he was here. And I think that added to his superman persona. If you notice in all the Rocky films, he grows a little each time. And that also adds to the enjoyment of the film.

Rocky IV is different than Rocky, there is no doubt. And as much as I love the first one, it doesn't come close to entertaining me as much as this one does. Rocky IV starts fast and it ends hard and in between we are blessed with a great soundtrack and a beautiful montage of all the Rocky films to Robert Tepper's "There's No Easy Way Out" And it is here that even though some will say that Stallone has substituted real human emotion with an MTV ersatz video, I think it works well. There is nothing about this film that I didn't enjoy and if you forget what the experience of watching this one is like, I suggest that you rent it now and take a look at it. And try to remember what it was like when you first saw this film back in the winter of 85. I remember I was in Kokomo Indiana visiting family for Christmas. My mom and I walked into a packed theater and you want to talk about a place erupting like a volcano, then this was the place. When Rocky finally hits Drago to cut him over the eye and Duke yells " he's cut, he's cut! " the crowd went into a frenzy. And you can look no further than that as to why the Rocky films were so popular. It doesn't matter if you are Canadian, American, Portuguese, Polish or Dutch or whatever, Rocky appeals to all of us. Because all of us have been the underdog at some time in our lives and we love to watch him and perhaps live vicariously through him. That is the beauty of Rocky. If Rocky can do it then dammit so can I!

When the movie ended on that cold night back in 1985, and people were filtering out to their cars for the drive home, I swear I could hear the crowd chanting his name, as did the millions..... and millions of the Rock's fans.

" Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!"

Rocky IV really stood out from the rest of the Rocky films to me, with the whole America versus Russia ordeal. Now it has been mentioned by other critics that this is inaccurate, but who really cares??? The point is that you really get to the point where you want Sly to kick Dragos butt in the ring. I enjoyed the training montage, and the boxing scene was so entertaining for me. And with the Russian leaders, and the Russian public standing up and cheering and clapping for Rocko.. a bit corny but so great.Talia shire in my opinion is at her best in this one out of all the other ones; she seems more confident and easier to get along with her character. And one of the most dramatic scenes to hit cinema was the death of Carl Weathers(Apollo Creed). The idea of fighting for the death of his friend, and for himself is just so inspirational. It just makes you want to jump up and get in the ring to help rocko. Out of a perfect score of 10, i gave this one a 7.

The Rocky saga continues as Sylvester Stallone returns as champion boxer Rocky Balboa in Rocky IV. Rocky IV might be a far cry from the original movie which won the 1976 Best Picture Academy Award with its paperthin plot, part 80's music video, and blatant patriotism but nonetheless is still great entertainment and one to enjoy.

Rocky is still riding high of the success of the world championship and is enjoying life with his wife Adrian (Talia Shire), Rocky's friend and Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young), and trainer and former adversary turned friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) has arrived from the Soviet Union along with his team of trainers and managers as well as his wife Ludmilla (Bridgette Neilson) to announce their intentions of entering professional boxing and promoting Drago's superior athleticism. Apollo Creed steps out of retirement to challenge Drago in an exhibition match in Las Vegas despite Rocky's misgivings. Things go tragically wrong when the former world champion underestimates the Soviet powerhouse as he ruthlessly receives a pummeling and is later killed when Drago lands a fatal blow. Drago emotionlessly responds, "If he dies, he dies", during his victory interview as Rocky cradles a bloodied Creed. Ridden with guilt for not throwing in the towel and enraged by Drago's lack of remorse, Rocky Balboa vows to avenge Creed's death with the help of Creed's former manager Duke (the late Tony Burton) by taking on Drago in an unsanctioned boxing match where Rocky surrenders the championship and the fight will take place in the Soviet Union on Christmas Day.

The events from Rocky IV would later form the backstory of Creed II (2018) where Apollo's son Adonis Creed takes on Ivan Drago's son Viktor Drago in the ring, and also sees the return of an embittered Ivan Drago.

Sylvester Stallone who also returns to the director's chair is still a delight as Rocky Balboa, the former underdog turned world champion and is also in peak physical condition too. Dolph Lundgren is memorable as Ivan Drago in his first movie role. Also returning to the sequel is Tahlia Shire as Adrian, Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, Burt Young as Paulie and the late Tony Burton as Duke. Bridgette Neilson also stars as Drago's wife Ludmilla and James Brown appears as himself performing the song "Living in America" during the exhibition match as Apollo Creed makes his entrance.

It's a visual experience seeing Rocky Balboa go back to unconventional methods of training in a secluded village in the middle of the Siberian mountains by chopping down trees, lifting logs, running in the deep snow, carrying carts, and culminating in running up a mountain alongside Vince DiCola's inspirational soundtrack (who has replaced Bill Conti). Meanwhile, Ivan Drago receives state of the art training with advanced equipment recorded by computers, as well as and steroid injections to maintain his powerful strength.

Rocky IV was a big hit at the box office despite a mixed critical reception and was one of the highest grossing films of 1985. Its hard to believe that Rocky IV is now 35 years old. It's still a popular movie especially amongst Sylvester Stallone fans and fans of the Rocky saga. I still enjoy it, and it's certainly a welcome addition to the Rocky saga. It's also a movie that used to psych me up before a gym session or before a long run 10 years ago. That aside, forget all the negative criticisms and enjoy Rocky IV.

7/10.

While this movie is short and not as classic as the first one or even 2 or 3, there is a lot of drama in it and great music. The villain is very intimidating and I can't help but get the feels from all of that 80s music. I feel like taking on the world after watching this movie while having a heart of gold at the same time, and THAT'S Rocky!

A boxer from the Soviet Union inspires Apollo to come out of retirement.

This is an enjoyable cheese-fest with memorable moments.

It feels like Rocky's character arc was done by the end of the first sequel, but in this one he is inspired to fight yet again by tragic circumstances. I think the story feels contrived and forced, but it sets up some entertaining moments of Cold War propaganda. He is in brooding mode like the previous sequel with an additional touch of self importance associated with the USA v USSR theme. Sylvester Stallone leads it well and stays likeable throughout.

Other regular characters contribute well to the production with the likes of Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young lifting scenes with strong performances.

Russian characters are mostly portrayed negatively, and I'm including the fickle crowd at the second fight. Given the era this is hardly surprising, but they are insultingly one dimensional caricatures.

There is plenty of exciting Rocky-style spectacle, particularly the fights and training sequences. Steroid abuse aside, I like the (for the time) hi tech training methods and the contrasting styles between both camps. The use of the Wyoming landscape is beautiful and the Soviet art design is visually effective.

As much as I enjoy a montage, there are way too many. In fact the dialogue and fight scenes function mostly as a way to connect montages. I particularly dislike the "best of" franchise moments involving the song 'No Easy Way Out'. All that said one of my favourite parts of the movie is the use of 'Eye of the Tiger' to recap the end of Rocky 3.

As for the cheese, it is off the scales in this entry. It gets particularly cringeworthy towards the end, but if you switch the brain off and can see the funny side, it is arguably a memorable slice of mid-eighties pop culture. I remember loving it as a child shortly after it came out and my young daughter enjoyed it recently.

Rocky IV goes to the Evil Empire during the heart of the Cold War and beats their invincible Super Champion, Ivan Drago and instantly converts the SU from Lenin-Stalin to McDonalds-Burger King! God bless Rocky, God bless Stallone, God bless capitalism, God bless America! I can change, everybody can change! Now sing it with me...

Heeeeeeeeeearts on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-yyyyyyre...!

The fourth instalment of Rocky is by far the worst of the lot. This is one of those movies that is so bad it's almost comical. It is so ridiculously corny that it actually starts to feel like a parody of the first 3 films.

The plot is as predictable as ever with the cheesy workout montages coming thick and fast. At one point we see Rocky doing real-life versions of Drago's hi-tec gym regime with the implicit message that good old-fashioned US work ethic will overcome Soviet scientific advances. The final fight is horrifically unrealistic and once again, we see Rocky endure a beating that would kill any mortal human being multiple times.

For some unknown reason, the whole movie seems to be an attempt at a political message, culminating in a truly dreadful ending where Rocky's 'progressive' victory speech appears to instantly diffuse decades of East-West tension. The portrayal of Russians throughout this movie is lazy and offensive, particularly the politicians.

Balboa, who looked at his physical peak in Rocky III, now looks like a heavy steroid user. Dolph Lungdren looks great but his dialogue is so atrocious he may as well be a cartoon character. 'I must destroy you' and 'If he dies, he dies' are some of his personal highlights. Even Talia Shire is dragged down by this film, morphing into one of those trite sporting wives who just bleats clichés from the sidelines.

An absolute disaster of a movie, only to be enjoyed ironically.

The sheer effort Dolph (Ivan Drago), Sylvester (Rocky Balboa) and Carl (Apollo Creed) must have gone into training for this film must have been truly awesome. They all look amazingly fit and sculptured. I think more so than any current modern day boxer.

Kudos to Dolph who in almost his first major feature film (his first was View to a Kill) made, at least for me, a major impact. Despite his lack of dialog "I must break you" is right up there with Schwarzenegger's "I'll be back". He looked amazingly strong - a freak almost - just as the plot intended. Scary. He looked even taller than the 6 inch difference between him and Stallone (Lundgren 6'4", Stallone 5'10").

I would think that difference in height/reach would make him nigh on impossible to defeat if this were REAL. Of course it is a movie. Dolph is the highlight and was sad to see Apollo's demise (but at least it shut him up). The writers must have based Apollo's character on Muhammed Ali surely! Am currently watching Rocky V and is interesting so far!

The plot of „Rocky IV" is very simple. It's basically the same plot as in "Rocky 3" with small changes (Apollo instead of Mick , Ivan Drago instead of Clubber Lang). Unlike other movies in the series "Rocky IV" isn't a sport drama – it's too silly for that , too cheesy to take itself seriously. It's more of an unusual action movie with boxing in it. It's more like "Commando" than original "Rocky" . If you're ready to accept it , prepare yourself for fun. The movie was a huge success – "Rocky IV" was the highest grossing film in the Rocky series, taking some $300 million worldwide. After watching the movie it's not strange to see why. It's a product of it's times , but still very entertaining today.

Yes , the Russians are portrayed stereotypical here and in reality, Soviet Heavyweights were not allowed to box professional fighters during the Cold War , but who really cares (except for Russians of course). "Rocky IV" is largely a metaphor for the tensions between America and Russia which existed in the Cold War. Drago is Soviet Union – stronger and cruel , while Balboa is America – weaker, but with more heart and stamina. The famous line "it's better to watch two people trying to kill each other than twenty millions" actually has meaning here. Communist and Nazis did use the sports for their propaganda and very often in real life politics and sport were entwined. "Rocky IV" has a strong anti-communist message, which I appreciate unlike other viewers. Communism was a terrifying system that treated people like puppets for the needs of communist party (Drago here is no exception). "Rocky IV" also has got a simple , but honest (at least to me ) message that people should look past their political beliefs and try to find peace on Earth. There is also some interesting commentary here on man vs machine and dehumanization of society because of technology (Paulie's robot).

The movie is far from being realistic , but I have to defend it a little. First of all it IS possible for a boxer to die during boxing match ( Benny Paret vs Emile Griffith in 1962) . Second , it is possible for a crowd to cheer for the opponent when he wins their respect ( in football/soccer when a player of the opposite team shoot 4 goals in one match the crowd gave him a standing ovation). Third , Rocky's unconventional techniques have a logic behind them. Rocky isn't using technology or steroids , because he doesn't think that's honorable . He makes it harder for himself intentionally and he succeeds . It's not the technology and money , but heart and talent what really count. The training sequences are top notch , great to watch and inspiring. The training techniques and technology that Drago has in this movie were considered science fiction in 1985 , but now they are a standard . And it's true that in communist countries steroids were often used.

Stallone was in great physical shape in 1985 as he made both "Rambo 2" and "Rocky 4". That's all you remember from his performance . Talia Shire , Carl Weathers and Burt Young gave good performances as their repeated their roles from previous movies. Brigitte Nielsen (Stallone's future wife) is OK as the wife of Drago. The real star here is however Dolph Lundgren ("The Punisher") as Ivan Drago. He was a perfect choice. His physically incredibly intimidating and definitely one of greatest cinema villains.

This is the only Rocky film where the music is not composed by Bill Conti. James Brown "Living in America" , Robert Trepper "No easy way out" ( one of the best montage songs ever ) , Survivor " Burning heart" , John Cafferty "Hearts on fire" – the soundtrack here is just fantastic. Stallone's makes a great use of the songs and Vince DiCola's music ("Training montage" is incredibly catchy) . He shows a talent worthy of great music video director here. When the music appears it's incredibly inspiring and powerful. The fights scenes are appropriately brutal and unrealistic , but that's what they are so fun. It's an ultimate David versus Goliat fight.

The movie is full of memorable , if not silly dialogues and one liners. Who could forget "If I can change , then you can change then everybody can change" . Other famous lines : "If he dies, he dies" , "Hit the one in the middle" , "I will break you". The "hit the one in the middle" exchange, actually did happen in real life fight during the Max Baer-Max Schmeling heavyweight fight in June 1933 .

It's definitely a classic movie and a symbol of the 80's – over the top , but wonderfully entertaining. If I had to rate it for it's pure entertainment value I would give it 10/10. However since this is an odd entry in a solid series of sport dramas I give it 6/10.

Predictable and corny. When the Soviet fans as well as the Soviet government officials stand up and cheer Rocky at the end, you can't help but roll your eyes in disbelief. Cold War metaphors delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer dampens the storytelling. Should have stopped at three. Four, no more. A camp classic, funny for all the wrong reasons. There are simply too many ludicrous elements to ignore: Paulie's robot; Brigitte Nielsen, even less expressive than the robot; about a thousand music-video-styled montages; Lundgren's delivery of Drago's deadly dialogue and much more. The crazed flag-waving would be a lot easier to take if it weren't so clearly a commercial calculation meant to salvage what is otherwise a crass, careless, shamelessly padded film. Ridiculous jingoistic nonsense. Even the hint of political power that Rocky garners by the end of this latest battle is made to seem like more of the same empty glory. Stallone, perhaps still punch-drunk from the early success, would have been better advised to have quit rather than suffer the body blows of this nonsense.