Rocky V (1990) Review in 2025
Rocky V is the fifth installment in the Rocky franchise, where Rocky Balboa is forced to train a young boxer, Tommy Gunn, to take on the world champion.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the Rocky franchise, but it's not as strong as some of the other films in the series. It's also a good choice for anyone who enjoys sports dramas.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie takes a darker turn as Rocky Balboa is forced to retire and Tommy Gunn becomes a protégé of George Washington Duke, a ruthless boxing promoter who manipulates Tommy to become a champion at any cost.
Review Details
story6.50/10
The story is engaging and has some great moments, but it's also predictable and lacks the emotional depth of the previous Rocky films.
acting8.00/10
The acting is top-notch, with Sylvester Stallone delivering another great performance as Rocky Balboa. Tommy Morrison is also great as Tommy Gunn.
characters7.50/10
The characters are well-developed, especially Rocky Balboa, who is as charismatic and likable as ever. Tommy Gunn is also a great addition to the franchise.
direction6.00/10
The direction is solid, but it's not as strong as some of the other Rocky films. The pacing is a bit slow at times, but it's still enjoyable.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is good, with some great shots of the boxing matches. The use of lighting and camera angles is also well-done.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has some great moments, especially the boxing matches, and the characters are well-developed. The acting is also top-notch.
Cons
The story is predictable, the direction is not as strong as some of the other Rocky films, and the pacing is a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"If you want to be a champion, you gotta be willing to take the hits."
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
