The Importance of Being Idle

Not All Rocky Movies Are Created Equal

Okay, so Rocky IV isn't uplifting at all.
Ronnie's tired and went to bed early, leaving me to just kinda... sit and stew on the thoughts in my head, none of which are good. So I thought I'd use my Rocky Therapy again, but of course now I'm up to number four and it just doesn't work as well. Maybe it's the lack of Bill Conti's score, maybe the fact that it's essentially two fights and a massive (and nonsensical) training montage... but somehow the movie that seems to be a big favourite with some people is to me the weakest of the lot (so far, still got to see Rocky V and Rocky Balboa). I think perhaps the problem is simply a lack of emotional connection: I know Apollo is his best friend, and it's clearly terrible that he dies, but I never really feel that we're at the heart of Rocky's motivation for the fight. Revenge isn't it, revenge isn't nearly enough, but what is it? What is it that makes him push himself harder and further than ever before? I don't know, and I think that's where the film falls down for me. Oddly I end up feeling sorry for Drago, 'cos as it becomes apparent that no matter what he does Rocky simply won't stay down everyone turns against him; the fight audience, his trainer, the politburo, even his wife! But yeah, I just don't get the inspirational buzz from this one, because I simply don't connect with Rocky's struggle here. It didn't make me feel happier at all! Ah well, the first three are bloody genius though, and what a theme!
So here I am, feeling oddly lonely considering I'm in a house with the best girlfriend ever, and our fluffy little cat. I guess it just goes to show that the loneliest place to be is trapped inside your own head.

posted by BadMonkey @ 11:39 PM