Coming into the most lowest-regarded 'Rocky' sequel (amongst both critics and passionate fans of the series), I must admit that I felt a certain trepidation. Whilst I had enjoyed the wildly over-the-top shenanigans of 'Rocky IV,' it wasn't what you'd call a good film, and had simply become the clichéd story of a champion boxer's underdog victory, not making any attempts to expand on the character of Rocky Balboa or his relationship with family and friends. Rocky's fifth outing is generally considered to be considerably worse, frequently denounced by Stallone himself.

Whilst 'Rocky V' is most certainly not a classic, I can admire what it was attempting. Whilst Sylvester Stallone himself had helmed the first three sequels, 'Rocky V' was directed by John G. Avildsen, winner of a Best Director Oscar for the original film. This film attempts to break the mould set by the sequels, most notably by not including any scenes with Rocky in the boxing ring (except, of course, for the obligatory flashback opening to Rocky's bout of the previous film). Having been diagnosed with brain damage from his clash with Ivan Drago, Rocky is done with fighting. To make matters worse, he loses his entire fortune when his brother-in-law Paulie (Burt Young) mistakenly signs the power-of-attorney over to a dodgy accountant. To fill the void in his life, Rocky begins training others to box, taking an enthusiastic, hungry young boxer, Tommy "The Machine" Gunn (Tommy Morrison), under his wing.

Rocky perceptibly sees, in Tommy, a younger version of himself; under-privileged, but avid for glory, and willing to take any steps to achieve it. In helping Tommy, however, Rocky grows further apart from his son, Rocky Jr. (played by Sage Stallone, and looking as though his character has aged about five years in the time that it took for Rocky to return from Russia) and his loving wife Adrian (Talia Shire). Rocky Jr., an intelligent young lad in his early teens, feels neglected by his father and takes up boxing in an attempt to get noticed, eventually becoming a rebellious street punk.

Often misunderstood - and reviled by many fans for a lack of "action" - 'Rocky V' is a competent addition the series, and is, at least, superior to its direct predecessor. Unlike 'IV,' this Rocky film attempts (albeit, only partially successfully) to develop Rocky's character, and his family relationships. There is even a stirring flashback featuring Mickey (Burgess Meredith), quite possibly the most powerful moment in the film. Paulie is rescued from the role of comic-relief, and actually has something relevant to say. Adrian and Rocky face challenges, and their commitment is tested, but they manage to pull through. The film brings viewers back to the scenario of the original film – Rocky is no longer wealthy and living the easy life. He is back where he started, and must fight his way back to glory, not with his own failing body, but through Tommy. The only problem is that Tommy, despite having the ambition and the skill, lacks Rocky's passion and heart, resulting in his own eventual downfall.

Rocky fans are sharply divided when it comes to this fifth and almost last installment in the Rocky franchise, many considering it the lowest point in the series. Whether it is or not, it's certainly the most unique. The story is not so focused on Rocky himself, but split between Rocky, the troubles of his son, and the rise of his protégé Tommy Gunn. That splintering as well as the change in format and the street fight ending are the biggest issues fans have with Rocky V. And of course, Tommy's mullet.

When people fall in love with a film, or film series, the last thing they want is something different. Most filmgoers want to see the same thing over and over with only very modest changes in characterization and story. Rocky through Rocky IV all had roughly the same storyline: Rocky wants to quit fighting, someone convinces him to fight, he trains hard, and finally he dukes it out in the ring with a bigger, stronger, larger-than-life opponent. Sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses. This is the Rocky film fans were used to seeing. Rocky V takes a new road entirely and shows our hero in a very different light.

Adrian's brother Paulie is definitely the antithesis of Rocky in the films. He mistreats Adrian, drinks like a fish, and at times shows extreme jealousy and aggression toward Rocky. At the beginning of Rocky V, Paulie tops all past shenanigans by gambling away Rocky's fortune, forcing the family to return to the dingy, crime-riddled Philadelphia neighborhood where they started. Why does Rocky keep putting up with Paulie's bad behavior? We all love Rocky in part because his heart is bigger than his brain, but this time around the Italian Stallion seems denser than usual. While it is explained early on that Rocky has actually suffered some permanent brain damage, he is a little too oblivious here.

During most of Rocky V, we just want to smack Rocky across the face and tell him to wake the heck up. We can sort of understand why he keeps Paulie under his roof despite his costly blunder, but what follows is nothing less than a string of bad decisions by a Rocky who's clearly asleep at the wheel. He ignores his son's obvious need for attention and guidance, he takes an ungrateful punk under his wing and lives vicariously through him, and he allows a slimy Don King-like boxing promoter walk all over him. Adrian, meanwhile, is wide awake but her repeated attempts to shake Rocky out of his fantasy are in vain because he just won't listen.

Probably the biggest complaint of Rocky V is the ending. All of the other five Rocky films spend their final fifteen minutes in the ring. Not this one. Instead, Rocky's former protégé Tommy challenges him to a bare-knuckle fist fight on the street. Since Tommy is technically the heavyweight champion now, and because the fight is relatively short and doesn't take place in the ring, it does feel a bit unofficial. It makes sense that the audience would want to see Rocky retain his title one last time and that doesn't happen. Furthermore, the film's closing credits are superimposed over a slideshow of memorable moments from the entire series, making it feel even more final.

Having said all of this, the truth is that Rocky V is still a pretty good movie. It may have some frustrating, even awkward scenes, but it's packed with real emotion and is generally well made. The best news of course is that Rocky V isn't the end anyway. Stallone wisely decided to make another film sixteen years later - the surprisingly great Rocky Balboa - which closely mimics the original and gives this spectacular series the ending it deserves.

I love the Rocky movies. Having recently bought the Heavyweight Collection on Blu-ray and watched them chronologically, I have nothing but respect for Stallone and love for his alter-ego. Each entry in the Rocky series is a worthy chapter and none of them stray too far from their origins. From that perspective, I'd go so far as to say the Rocky series is probably the most consistently good film series ever made. Every series has its black sheep and Rocky V is certainly that. But does that make it a bad film? I don't think so.

This movies which has to come in its title number is the fifth best of the Rocky films. It has not got the same power as the first 2 but is still very emotionally tought and strong and sends across a message like the other movies. Stallone like he always has been is great with the part. The script really does have its moments of splendour and with sadness. Scenes such as Balboas recolections on the past and his time with his friend and coach Mickey. Extremely emotional movie but of course only in scene such as that and also when his wife tries to pur across he devoted love for the boxer. Its powerfuls and tought like the whole series is.

The films are the most realistic film series based on true life. True griet. True feelings and love. Now, Rocky loses his money plus gets brain damage, just how bad can a life get. Now not been able to box becomes a coach but soon gets betrayed by his student as another promoter with more money and power takes control of him and leaves Rocky all alone with nowhere to go.

Although there is no ring fight, do not worry as there is a more personel than ever with more strenght and skill in a tough and rough and mean street fight. Definatley the least best in the series but still not bad and not as bad as what people say as it does contain all life based aspects. Very good and absolutley worth a watch more times than the very bad Star Wars.