Rocky IV

Why “Rocky Balboa” Works

On June 27, 2009, Christopher Crespo at the Orlando Movie Examiner posted an article titled “Why Rocky Balboa Works Where the Other Rocky Sequels Failed”.  Crespo actually has some good things to say about “Rocky II” and “Rocky III” but focuses his attention on how “Rocky Balboa” (like the original “Rocky”) mirrors what was happening in Sly’s life and “Stallone (didn’t) pretend things (were) different from what they (were).” You can read the full piece by clicking here.

Sly’s Underrated Sequels

Simon Brew, at the Den of Geek, lists 19 Underrated Sequels That Deserve a Second Chance.  Here’s what he had to say about some Stallone-starring choices:

Rocky II, III & IV

Our love of Rocky IV has already been documented at Den Of Geek, but the saga of Sylvester Stallone’s Italian Stallion is really enjoyable right up until 30 seconds before Rocky V starts. The second movie is a glossy and very functional sequel, but let’s cut film three slack for loosening up and having some fun, with Mr T’s Clubber Lang a great introduction to the franchise. Rocky IV, of course, remains without modern day parallel…

You can read the entire article here.

Dolph Lundgren Praises Sly

In an interview at UGO.com, Dolph Lundgren praised Sly in the following exchange:

UGO: You’ve worked with great directors over the years – Roland Emmerich, John Woo, Russell Mulcahey, even Sylvester Stallone – were there any that inspired you more than others during your career?

DOLPH: Sly Stallone was extremely organized and well-prepared, the script – and dialogue – was number one for him. He wrote, directed, and starred in Rocky IV, that’s one hell of a workload. Sly was very sensitive to the “guy in the street’s” taste.

I love it that he spoke of Sly so highly and first. Sly must have really made an impact on Dolph. For the full interview click [HERE].

- Craig