![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Obviously this worked for many people and it’s still to this day a very beloved film: a nostalgic snapshot of the MTV era for people who grew up then and maybe still pump iron to its soundtrack (in its own way, just as iconic as Conti’s original Rocky score).Īlthough I always enjoyed Rocky IV - for its sheer style, bombast, and entertainment factor - it was my least favorite of the series. Rocky is typically fighting for himself in this film he seems to be fighting for the United States of America (as well as for his fallen friend Apollo). The film also exhibits a gung-ho patriotism that’s not present in the other films. There was a slight push in this direction with Rocky III, but Rocky IV totally surrenders to the '80s and comic book-style entertainment. Gone are the quiet character moments gone are the in-depth and revealing conversations these previously very human characters become archetypes. Not only is Conti’s timeless orchestration replaced by Vince DiCola’s ultra-1980s synthesizers, half the film is practically a montage. Rocky IV (1985) proved to be the most financially successful of the franchise, but it sticks out as an anomaly in an otherwise consistent series. Stallone’s dialogue is especially unsung containing much wit, humanity, and straight-up Philly flavor. The emotional struggle of the characters is just as important, if not more important, than the film's climactic boxing matches. From the evocative Bill Conti music to a strong supporting cast of characters (Adrian, Paulie, Mickey and Apollo) to a deft balance of humor, grit and pathos. When Stallone wrote and directed Rocky II (1979) and Rocky III (1982), he made it a point to retain all the elements that worked in the first film. The movie’s all there on the written page. His original script for the first film, 1976’s Rocky, and the history surrounding it is one of the great Hollywood success stories - a true Cinderella story not unlike the film itself - and in my opinion it still stands as one of the best written screenplays of the 20th century. In addition to various other films, Stallone wrote every film in the Rocky series and co-wrote the spin-off Creed II. Most often discussed as an actor, then secondly as a director, Stallone’s success and skill as a screenwriter are too often overlooked. As an Italian-American screenwriter originally from Philadelphia, the Rocky films and Sylvester Stallone’s career have always been a source of inspiration for me. ![]()
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