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Rocky IV

Rocky IV

List Price: $14.95
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: TOP FIVE MOVIES OF ALL-TIME!
Review: I'll say it: "Rocky IV" is one of the top five movies of all time. Too bad for those of you who think only a film with subtitles can have that honor. I love more "dramatic" films just as much as the next guy but there's something about Rocky IV that is just PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll never forget watching this movie, as a little girl in Miami, at the movie theatre. I've never experienced such an incredible movie going experience (other than at "The Passion of the Christ" but that was a whole different thing). The theatre that day was so crowded, that my family and I had to sit in the front. My sister and I had taken our Cabbage Patch Dolls with us. In the last scene, where Rocky is pummeling Ivan Drago, my sister and I were sitting up on the backs of our seats, chanting "Rocky! Rocky!" I turned around and the ENTIRE MOVIE THEATRE was up on their chairs, cheering. I don't think a movie has ever had that kind of impact on audiences again. What's funny is I heard that happened at lots of other theatres across the country!

Additionally, in an age of P.C. liberalism where it's not OK to be patriotic, Rocky IV is unapologetically and brazenly patriotic, and it's appreciated. The movie is not afraid to make the Soviet system of treating its athletes like dogs, or life in a police-state, look bad.

Part of what makes Rocky IV so perfect is the timing. Sylvester Stallone is a genius at timing movies -- he knows right where to place the crescendo, how to build it up, and just when give the audience what it wants (hence the reaction in the movie theatre I witnessed). It's neither too short nor too long and the scenes are just right.

The acting is spectacular: Dolph Lundgren was perfectly cast as Ivan Drago (and ladies, there's some eye-candy there for you!), Stallone is excellent, as usual -- and so is the rest of the cast. Everyone played their roles perfectly.

The soundtrack is also the BEST SOUNDTRACK IN FILM HISTORY. It's got the classic "Eye of the Tiger" (who doesn't want to work out when they hear it!) plus an even better tune: "No Easy Way Out." (This is the one playing where Rocky must make the decision to fight, which he contemplates while driving his Lamborghini through Philadelphia, right after Adrian has told him that to fight Drago is suicide).

The movie also teaches us a lot of valuable lessons and there are some real gems in the script: sometimes the tough choice is the right choice, you can't let others get you down, and sometimes you have to fight for what's right, plus a myriad of other beautiful themes. It also even touches upon the dangers of Communism or other oppressive police-states -- for instance, the trailing of Rocky by the slimey police agents when he's training in Russian or Drago's cold indifference when Apollo dies. Most importantly, Drago, in the course of his fight with Rocky, is so frustrated with the trainers who keep telling him he MUST win that he utters to the Soviet "watchdogs": "I fight for ME! I fight for ME!" No doubt, his saying so is a rebellion against the horribly repressive Communist mandate that an individual belongs to the State and not to himself/herself. We see Drago, arguably the most interesting character in the film, develop.

So, film snobs might dismiss this movie as an entertainment flick, but it's so much more. It's truly inspiring.

Best scenes are as follows, in my opinion:

1) When Rocky is training in Russia and his nature-based training (running up mountains, etc) is juxtaposed against Drago's state-of-the art training. Both are shown engaging in basically the same exercises -- one using nature and the other using fancy equipment and steroids.

2) Adrian approaches Rocky about his plans to fight Drago. She finally, angrily, shouts: "It's suicide! You can't win!" (Wow, way to support your husband, Adrian -- she's dead weight, that one! Seriously, though, that's a touching scene. Adrian is torn between supporting Rocky and having faith in him while knowing that, realistically, he will probably be killed). Rocky storms out, gets in his fancy black sports car, puts the gear in fifth and drives through Philadelphia, while "There's no easy way out" plays in the background.

3) When Rocky is thinking back on his friendship with Apollo there is a scene of them jogging together on the beach and then hugging (it's a scene from either Rocky II or Rocky III when Apollo, Rocky's former rival, offers to train him). It was so touching to see such a sincere, beautiful friendship between a black man and a white man (I get teary-eyed just thinking about it!). See? There's another positive message in the movie!

4) The fight between Drago and Apollo. Apollo's entrance is so much fun, with James Brown singing (he has a cameo), "Living in America." Fun!!! When Apollo is nearly pummeled and he approaches Rocky in the corner and asks him not to throw in the towel, we see a man who refuses to compromise on his dignity and pride, even if it costs him his life. The look on both Rocky and Apollo's faces is a testament to these actors' abilities -- you know what Apollo is thinking and what Rocky is thinking without any lines being uttered. Then Apollo looks over at his beautiful wife, who has tears in her eyes (she knows this can't be good), and gives her a little reassuring nod of his head. Wow, what a scene. Drago soon thereafter lands on a powerful punch on Apollo that kills him. Rocky rushes the stage, cradling the dead Apollo in his arms, and Drago coldly, indifferently utters: "If he dies, he dies."

Everyone should own this DVD -- I've seen it a hundred times and never tire of it!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The fourth part...
Review: Well,well Rocky IV. A real blockbuster when it came out back in '85. Although the fans enjoyed it the critics really didn't. Sylvester Stallone plays the underdog turned people's champ Rocky Balboa for the fourth time. This time the enemy is played by swedish giant Dolph Lundgren as the Russian destroyer Ivan Drago. Rocky's foe turned friend Apollo Creed has decided that he wants to fight the russian in a exhibition bout. He is awfully confident about himself before the fight,but not so much after. He is actually killed by the hard shots coming from the Siberian bull. After this Balboa is outraged and decides that he is gonna step away from the title. The fight between Drago and Balboa takes place on Christmas day in Moscow. It's a hardfought battle with Balboa being really shaken up during the fight,but luckely manage to knockout Ivan Drago in the fifteen round. I love this movie very much,maybe it's because Iam a real Rocky fanatic. I think it's only the second best sequal in the Rocky series with the third one from 1982 being the better one. It do deserve the 5 stars I have given.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Forgotten Classic!
Review: This was the first movie I saw that was not a cartoon. I was four at the time and just could not get enough of Rocky IV!! It is truely one of the greatest films of all time and is a great symbol of patriotism!
The acting is superb that words really can't go any further to describe it! The fight scenes are the best of the series and the soundtrack to it is new and exciting!
In the end, it is a movie that I adore and many others do as well. Too bad those stupid critics see it in a different light.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: That's my dad!
Review: Rocky IV is amazing.It's so powerful.I (...) saw 1 hour of it and I love it!Some of the best scenes ...

A comparison scene between Rocky training out in the Soviet and Drago training with a whole bunch of steroids and high-tech equipment.

Apollo Creed vs. Ivan Drago.Words cannot describe it.

Rocky v.s Drago.This is my first Rocky movie,and I was amazed with the courage and heart.
My favorite lines

"I must break you"Ivan Drago,just before the Rocky fight.

"That's my dad"Rocky's son during the fight.

"If he dies,he dies"Ivan Drago,after killing Apollo

"He is not human.He is like a piece of iron"Ivan Drago,during the Rocky fight.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: You have to love the Rocky films
Review: The Rocky films are such inspiring movies. I don't think anybody that has seen any of them other than five has felt motivated to do something with there lives. In the first three Rocky films we see the Italian Stallion come from a nobody to a somebody. He's the heavy weight champion of the world and has overcome a lot. Rocky IV shows they were running out of ideas and naturally Sylvester went to the easy way out, he'd have Rocky fight communism.

Rocky IV is simple enough to follow. Ivan Drago(Dolph Lundgren) is the next big thing in the boxing world. He's the enourmus Russian that looks unbeatable. He's won the gold medal and has cleaned Europe out. He comes to America looking to become the champion and put Soviet boxing back on the map. Apollo Creed(Carl Weathers) wants Ivan. The Soviet agress to the match to show that he's unbeatable. He kills Apollo in the match and then looks at Rocky like he's next. Rocky(Stallone) feels responsible for the death of Apollo. He's unsure if he can beat the Soviet. Even his own wife Adrian doubts him. It's now up to Rocky to rediscover himself and restore honor to himself, Apollo Creed, and the United States.

Rocky IV is such a hoaky movie it's beautiful. The East vs West set up is great. It's not just Rocky vs Drago, it's the United States vs the Soviet Union. This 1985 movie did take place during the arms race and it's a great patriotic tale. Very few movies have me made want to shout USA out while I'm watching them and Rocky IV does that.

I have to tip my hat to Syvelster Stallone and Dolph Lundgren. Both are in amazing shape for the movie. Everybody that has seen the movie loves the scenes in Russia where Rocky and Drago are training. It's so barbaric, tender, and motivating all at the same time. The two in there boxing scenes also look good. Drago is the most impossing force ever scene in any of the Rocky films. Dolph broke most of Stallones ribs during the filming and did a number on bones in his face. You have to love that kind of dedication from Stallone who also wrote and directed.

Rocky IV is an excellent film. A lot of people said they should have stoped after III and they are wrong. Rocky IV is a great motivational and patriotic tale. In a liberal dominated hollywood and media it's great to watch a feel good movie like Rocky IV.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: ADREAN!!!!
Review: this is by far the best rocky movie. and i could say Stallone's best movie. the part when he fights drago is awsome. unless you are a die hard rocky fan i say buy this one seperatly form the 5 dics set becuase 3 is ok and 5 sucks

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: RINGS A BELL...
Review: In this 3rd sequel to the Oscar winning "Rocky", Rocky(Sylvester Stallone) goes to Russia to fight. Not to defend his title but to defend the honor of his friend and the American people. The opponent is the bigger than life Ivan Drago(Dolph Lundgren), who looks like he was chisled out of stone. In an exhibition fight Drago delivered a fatal blow to the Rock's old pal Apollo Creed.
Rocky leaves for Russia with Pauly(Burt Young) and Apollo's trainer, against the wishes of Adrienne(Talia Shire) who thinks Rocky will also meet his demise by the hands of this powerful giant they call "Death from above". He trains in remote part of Siberia, using the most primitive equipment, while Drago on the other hand has the use of the most technically advanced methods of training (and with the little help of some steroids.)
As always the faithful Adrianne has come around and has joined him there. The fight takes place with all of Russia in Drago's corner. The fight scenes are great, the crowd starts to warm to Rocky, and in the end (no matter who wins) we find that, people can change, and a fight between 2 men in a ring for sport is better than 2 countries fighting.
What really impressed me was the soundtrack of this film. It propelled the movie right along. We are even treated to a ringside performance by James Brown. The sound quality of this VHS (MGM/UA) is terrific in Dolby Surround and Hi Fi.
Added to the cast is Brigitte Nielsen who plays Drago's wife and for comic relief(besides Paulie) there is a talking robot. It was written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. If you're a die hard Rocky fan this would be a good addition to your collection.
enjoy.......Laurie

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "The Eye Of The Tiger"
Review: Rocky IV is the only Rocky movie I have or have seen all of. In my opinion, it is a very-well done movie. From start to finsh the suspense continues to build, but you obviously know what's gonna happen in the end. In this film, the Sovit power should not be taken lightly, as Dragor displayed by killing Rocky's best friend Apollo Creed. Rocky decides to avenge the death of his best friend, by fighting in Russia with "The Death from Above" Emotion at this point is at extremes, as a teary-eyed Rocky who has just gotten into an argument with his wife, takes his car for a cruise thinkin back to all his memories with his friend, wife, and now to the giant that stands in the way. Would you believe the best scene (in my opinion) in the movie, isn't one of the exciting,dramatic fight scenes but rather when the 2 comparisons are shown of Dragor and Rocky's methods of training. Mechanics versus Nature. In the end, the strength bewteen the 2 fighters is equal, the winner will only be the one who wants the fight the most. It is no longer a matter of who has more physicall strength, but more heart. After viewing this movie, i got my hand on all the songs, what a great collection. Especially the songs from "Survivor" If you haven't seen this movie, what are you thinkin?? If you get a chance, do it! You must, i tell ya 4 real. A classic, sure hit, 4 stars, etc.etc. Just watch you wont be dissapointed.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: the best rocky
Review: rocky 4 is the best rocky it came out among coldwar tension between the us and the soviet union in it apollo creed comes out of retirement and is killed by drago the giant monster out of the soviet union who seems to be unbeatable (but u later see him taking steroids) angered by his friends death rocky vows revenge and comes out of retirement then they basically trade how they train rocky goes to russia and trains in the cold primitively while drago gets used to fame and trains on all modern equipment and as u know allready rocky somehow pulls it off defeating the steroid using monster and winning over even the soiviet audience this movie has some great music and moments and great pro america us vs them feeling and it captures what rocky and heart stand for even more than the original

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: TOP FIVE MOVIES OF ALL-TIME!
Review: I'll say it: "Rocky IV" is one of the top five movies of all time. Too bad for those of you who think only a film with subtitles can have that honor. I love more "dramatic" films just as much as the next guy but there's something about Rocky IV that is just PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll never forget watching this movie, as a little girl in Miami, at the movie theatre. I've never experienced such an incredible movie going experience (other than at "The Passion of the Christ" but that was a whole different thing). The theatre that day was so crowded, that my family and I had to sit in the front. My sister and I had taken our Cabbage Patch Dolls with us. In the last scene, where Rocky is pummeling Ivan Drago, my sister and I were sitting up on the backs of our seats, chanting "Rocky! Rocky!" I turned around and the ENTIRE MOVIE THEATRE was up on their chairs, cheering. I don't think a movie has ever had that kind of impact on audiences again. What's funny is I heard that happened at lots of other theatres across the country!

Additionally, in an age of P.C. liberalism where it's not OK to be patriotic, Rocky IV is unapologetically and brazenly patriotic, and it's appreciated. The movie is not afraid to make the Soviet system of treating its athletes like dogs, or life in a police-state, look bad.

Part of what makes Rocky IV so perfect is the timing. Sylvester Stallone is a genius at timing movies -- he knows right where to place the crescendo, how to build it up, and just when give the audience what it wants (hence the reaction in the movie theatre I witnessed). It's neither too short nor too long and the scenes are just right.

The acting is spectacular: Dolph Lundgren was perfectly cast as Ivan Drago (and ladies, there's some eye-candy there for you!), Stallone is excellent, as usual -- and so is the rest of the cast. Everyone played their roles perfectly.

The soundtrack is also the BEST SOUNDTRACK IN FILM HISTORY. It's got the classic "Eye of the Tiger" (who doesn't want to work out when they hear it!) plus an even better tune: "No Easy Way Out." (This is the one playing where Rocky must make the decision to fight, which he contemplates while driving his Lamborghini through Philadelphia, right after Adrian has told him that to fight Drago is suicide).

The movie also teaches us a lot of valuable lessons and there are some real gems in the script: sometimes the tough choice is the right choice, you can't let others get you down, and sometimes you have to fight for what's right, plus a myriad of other beautiful themes. It also even touches upon the dangers of Communism or other oppressive police-states -- for instance, the trailing of Rocky by the slimey police agents when he's training in Russian or Drago's cold indifference when Apollo dies. Most importantly, Drago, in the course of his fight with Rocky, is so frustrated with the trainers who keep telling him he MUST win that he utters to the Soviet "watchdogs": "I fight for ME! I fight for ME!" No doubt, his saying so is a rebellion against the horribly repressive Communist mandate that an individual belongs to the State and not to himself/herself. We see Drago, arguably the most interesting character in the film, develop.

So, film snobs might dismiss this movie as an entertainment flick, but it's so much more. It's truly inspiring.

Best scenes are as follows, in my opinion:

1) When Rocky is training in Russia and his nature-based training (running up mountains, etc) is juxtaposed against Drago's state-of-the art training. Both are shown engaging in basically the same exercises -- one using nature and the other using fancy equipment and steroids.

2) Adrian approaches Rocky about his plans to fight Drago. She finally, angrily, shouts: "It's suicide! You can't win!" (Wow, way to support your husband, Adrian -- she's dead weight, that one! Seriously, though, that's a touching scene. Adrian is torn between supporting Rocky and having faith in him while knowing that, realistically, he will probably be killed). Rocky storms out, gets in his fancy black sports car, puts the gear in fifth and drives through Philadelphia, while "There's no easy way out" plays in the background.

3) When Rocky is thinking back on his friendship with Apollo there is a scene of them jogging together on the beach and then hugging (it's a scene from either Rocky II or Rocky III when Apollo, Rocky's former rival, offers to train him). It was so touching to see such a sincere, beautiful friendship between a black man and a white man (I get teary-eyed just thinking about it!). See? There's another positive message in the movie!

4) The fight between Drago and Apollo. Apollo's entrance is so much fun, with James Brown singing (he has a cameo), "Living in America." Fun!!! When Apollo is nearly pummeled and he approaches Rocky in the corner and asks him not to throw in the towel, we see a man who refuses to compromise on his dignity and pride, even if it costs him his life. The look on both Rocky and Apollo's faces is a testament to these actors' abilities -- you know what Apollo is thinking and what Rocky is thinking without any lines being uttered. Then Apollo looks over at his beautiful wife, who has tears in her eyes (she knows this can't be good), and gives her a little reassuring nod of his head. Wow, what a scene. Drago soon thereafter lands on a powerful punch on Apollo that kills him. Rocky rushes the stage, cradling the dead Apollo in his arms, and Drago coldly, indifferently utters: "If he dies, he dies."

Everyone should own this DVD -- I've seen it a hundred times and never tire of it!


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