Rocky V (1990)

Director:

John G. Avildsen

Writer (WGA):

Sylvester Stallone (written by)

Release Date:

16 November 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Sport

Tagline:

Go for it!

Plot:

Reluctantly retired from boxing and back from riches to rags, Rocky takes on a new protege who betrays him; As the champ's son must adjust to his family's new life after bankruptcy.

Plot Keywords:

Boxing | Boxer | Training | Hero | Riches To Rags

Awards:

9 nominations

Cast

Sylvester Stallone	...	Rocky Balboa
Talia Shire	...	Adrian
Burt Young	...	Paulie
Sage Stallone	...	Rocky Balboa Jr.
Burgess Meredith	...	Mickey Goldmill
Tommy Morrison	...	Tommy 'Machine' Gunn
Richard Gant	...	George Washington Duke
Tony Burton	...	Duke
Jimmy Gambina	...	Jimmy (as James Gambina)
Delia Sheppard	...	Karen
Mike Girard Sheehan	...	Merlin Sheets (as Michael Sheehan)
Michael Anthony Williams	...	Union Cane (as Michael Williams)
Kevin Connolly	...	Chickie
Elisebeth Peters	...	Jewel
Hayes Swope	...	Chickie's Pal
Nicky Blair	...	Fight Promoter
Jodi Letizia	...	Marie (scenes deleted)
Christopher Avildsen	...	Druggy (as Chris Avildsen)
Jonathan Avildsen	...	Druggy
Don Sherman	...	Andy
Stu Nahan	...	Fight Commentator
Al Bernstein	...	Fight Commentator
James Binns	...	James Binns (Rocky's Lawyer)
Meade Martin	...	Las Vegas Announcer
Michael Buffer	...	Fight Announcer (3rd Fight)
Albert J. Myles	...	Benson
Jane Marla Robbins	...	Gloria
Ben Geraci	...	Cab Driver
Clifford C. Coleman	...	Motorcycle Mechanic
Lou Fillipo	...	Referee (as Lou Filippo)
Frank Cappuccino	...	Referee
Lauren K. Woods	...	Conference Reporter
Robert Seltzer	...	Conference Reporter
Albert S. Meltzer	...	Conference Reporter
John P. Clark	...	Conference Reporter
Stanley R. Hochman	...	Conference Reporter
Elmer Smith	...	Conference Reporter
Henry D. Tillman	...	Contender #1
Stan Ward	...	Contender #2
Brian Phelps	...	Reporter
Mark Thompson	...	Reporter
Paul Cain	...	Reporter
Kent H. Johnson	...	Reporter
Cindy Roberts	...	Reporter
Patrick Cronin	...	Dr. Rimlan
Helena Carroll	...	Woman Drinker
Tony Munafo	...	Drinker
Bob Vasquez	...	Drinker
Richard 'Dub' Wright	...	Drinker
Susan Persily	...	Drinker
Gary Compton	...	Drinker
John Cahill	...	Drinker (as John J. Cahill)
LeRoy Neiman	...	Fight Announcer
Michael Pataki	...	Nicoli Koloff (archive footage)
Jennifer Flavin	...	Delivery Girl
Tricia Flavin	...	Delivery Girl
Julie Flavin	...	Delivery Girl
Bob Giovane	...	Timmy
Carol A. Ready	...	Russian Woman
Katharine Margiotta	...	Woman in Dressing Room
Jeff Langton	...	Boxer
Joe Sabatino	...	Boxer
Danny Epper	...	Boxer (as Daniel Epper)
Del Weston	...	Boxer
Mel Scott-Thomas	...	Boxer
Billy D. Lucas	...	Boxer
Alex Garcia	...	Boxer
Curtis Jackson	...	Boxer
Dale Jacoby	...	Boxer
Clay Hodges	...	Boxer
Richard C. Oprison	...	Boxer
Kevin Bucceroni	...	Boxer
John D'Martin	...	Boxer
Rodney Frazier	...	Boxer
Eric Hedgeman	...	Boxer
Charles Hines	...	Boxer
Kerry Judge	...	Boxer
Billy D. Saunders	...	Boxer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Robert M. Bouffard	...	Russian reporter (uncredited)
G. Larry Butler	...	Boxing Match Attendee (uncredited)
Jon Kuyper	...	Reporter (uncredited)
Kurt Leitner	...	Neighbor #1 (uncredited)
Diana Lewis	...	Reporter (uncredited)
Dolph Lundgren	...	Ivan Drago (archive footage) (uncredited)
Troy Martin	...	Reporter (uncredited)
Paul Dion Monte	...	Boxer (uncredited)
Ben Piazza	...	Doctor (uncredited)
Kevin Rooney	...	Tommy's Title Fight Cornerman (uncredited)
John Timmons	...	Cop #1 (uncredited)
Gina Marie Turcketta	...	Kissing Girl (uncredited)

Directed by
John G. Avildsen

Writing credits (WGA)
Sylvester Stallone		(written by)

Produced by
Robert Chartoff	....	producer
Michael S. Glick	....	executive producer
Tony Munafo	....	associate producer
Irwin Winkler	....	producer
Suzanne DeLaurentiis	....	associate producer (uncredited)

Original Music by
Bill Conti

Cinematography by
Steven Poster		(director of photography)

Film Editing by
John G. Avildsen
Robert A. Ferretti
Michael N. Knue

Casting by
Caro Jones

Production Design by
William J. Cassidy

Art Direction by
William J. Durrell Jr.		(as William Durrell Jr.)

Set Decoration by
John M. Dwyer		(as John Dywer)

Makeup Department
Sugar Blymyer	....	hair stylist (as Sugar Maryce Blymyer)
Colleen Callaghan	....	hair stylist: New York
Jay Cannistraci	....	makeup artist: New York
Katalin Elek	....	makeup artist
Hiram Ortiz	....	hair consultant: Talia Shire
Francisco X. Pérez	....	makeup artist (as Frank Carrisosa)
Carol Schwartz	....	makeup artist
Michael Westmore	....	special makeup
Zoltan Elek	....	makeup artist (uncredited)

Production Management
Michael S. Glick	....	unit production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Clifford C. Coleman	....	first assistant director
Hope R. Goodwin	....	second assistant director
Richard 'Dub' Wright	....	second second assistant director

Art Department
Sharleen Bright	....	stand-by painter (as Sharlene Bright)
Gary Deaton	....	construction foreman (as Gary L. Deaton)
Bruce Di Valerio	....	construction foreman (as Bruce DiValerio)
Audrey A. Johnson	....	assistant property master (as Audrey Johnson)
Kent H. Johnson	....	property master
Charles Sertin	....	set dresser (as Chuck Sertin)
Barton M. Susman	....	lead man
Donald F. Winter	....	construction coordinator
Craig Baron	....	assistant property master (uncredited)
William Boyd	....	mill foreman (uncredited)
Kirk S. Heinlen	....	set dresser (uncredited)
Kirk S. Heinlen	....	swing gang (uncredited)
James Klotsas	....	property department (uncredited)
Edward T. Reiff Jr.	....	set constructor (uncredited)
Randy Severino	....	set dresser (uncredited)

Sound Department
David Behle	....	sound recordist
Stu Bernstein	....	sound effects editor
James Beshears	....	adr supervisor
Alan Bromberg	....	sound effects editor
Mark S. Cafolla	....	assistant sound editor (as Mark Cafolla)
David B. Cohn	....	supervising sound editor
Simon Coke	....	sound effects editor
Samuel C. Crutcher	....	sound effects editor
Debra Dobb	....	sound recordist
Julia Evershade	....	sound effects editor
John P. Fasal	....	special sound effects
Gary A. Hecker	....	foley artist (as Gary Hecker)
Ron S. Herbes	....	assistant sound editor (as Ronald S. Herbes)
Joseph Holsen	....	sound effects editor
Doc Kane	....	foley mixer
Jack Keller	....	sound recordist
Robert J. Litt	....	sound re-recording mixer
Robert Martel	....	assistant sound editor
Matthew C. May	....	first assistant sound editor
Harry B. Miller III	....	sound effects editor
Bob O'Brien	....	sound effects editor
Judy Oseransky	....	assistant sound editor
Lauren Palmer	....	adr editor (as Lauren J. Palmer)
Katie Rowe	....	foley artist
Greg P. Russell	....	sound re-recording mixer
Monique Salvato	....	assistant adr editor
Clem Sheaffer	....	cable person (as Clement Sheaffer)
Peter Michael Sullivan	....	sound effects editor
Barry Thomas	....	sound mixer
Renee Tondelli	....	adr editor
Elliot Tyson	....	sound re-recording mixer
Sherman Waze	....	sound effects editor
Forest Williams	....	boom operator
Steve Bartlett	....	sound (uncredited)
Samuel C. Crutcher	....	sound editor/design (uncredited)
Donald C. Rogers	....	technical director of sound (uncredited)
Kaitlyn Walker	....	adr artist (uncredited)

Special Effects by
Lou Carlucci	....	special effects
Joe Digaetano	....	special effects coordinator (as Joe DiGaetano III)
David Fletcher	....	special effects (as Dave Fletcher)
Dennis Petersen	....	special effects

Stunts
Bobby Bass	....	stunt coordinator
Mark De Alessandro	....	stunt double (as Mark DeAlessandro)
Terry Funk	....	additional stunts
Curtis Lupo	....	stunt double

Camera and Electrical Department
Ben Beaird	....	key grip
Danny Buck	....	gaffer (as Daniel Buck)
Marty W. Eichmann	....	key grip (as Marty Wayne Eichman)
Sam Emerson	....	still photographer
Michael A. FauntLeRoy	....	first assistant camera (as Mike Fauntleroy)
Victor Hammer	....	additional photographer
Stephen V. Isbell	....	best boy grip
George Kohut	....	camera operator
Peter Kuttner	....	first assistant camera
Robert LaBonge	....	camera operator (as Robert La Bonge)
Charles Lantz	....	dolly grip
Clayton J. Liotta	....	first assistant camera: New York (as Clayton Liotta)
Anastas N. Michos	....	camera operator: New York
Andrew M. Nelson	....	best boy electric
James Plannette	....	chief lighting technician
Timothy Prince	....	video technician (as Tim Prince)
Kathina Szeto	....	second assistant camera
Byron White	....	best boy electric
Roy Bean	....	video technician (uncredited)
Garrett Brown	....	Steadicam operator (uncredited)
Daniel C. Cook	....	additional second assistant camera (uncredited)
Damien Harrer	....	electrician (uncredited)
Michael Leonard	....	additional first assistant camera (uncredited)
Steven Mann	....	first assistant camera: camera tests (uncredited)
Maricella Ramirez	....	assistant camera (uncredited)
Mark Simon	....	assistant camera (uncredited)
Dean Williams	....	still photographer (uncredited)

Casting Department
Tony Dinizo	....	location extras casting: Philadelphia
Meredith Jacobson	....	location extras casting: Philadelphia
Jack Jones	....	casting assistant
Diane Kirman	....	location extras casting: Philadelphia
Barbara Spitz	....	casting assistant

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Brad Anderson	....	costumer
Leah Brown	....	costumer
Carole Brown-James	....	costume supervisor
Ed Fincher	....	costumer
Barton Kent James	....	costume supervisor

Editorial Department
Douglas Brumer	....	assistant editor
Alessandra Carlino	....	assistant editor
Robert A. Ferretti	....	additional film editor
Phil Hetos	....	color timer
Angela Jackson	....	assistant editor
Trevor Jolly	....	additional film editor
Fran Kaplan	....	assistant editor
Marypat Plottner	....	synching editor
Brian Ralph	....	negative cutter
Neil Silver	....	assistant editor
Neil Eric Wenger	....	first assistant editor

Music Department
Ken Johnson	....	music editor
Steve Livingston	....	music editor
Chris McGeary	....	assistant music editor
Daniel J. Johnson	....	co-music editor (uncredited)

Transportation Department
Gregory J. Cimino	....	transportation captain: Philadelphia
Paul Cimino	....	transportation captain: Philadelphia
Linda Conrad	....	transportation dispatch
Lee Garibaldi	....	transportation captain
Tommy Tancharoen	....	transportation coordinator

Other crew
Lori A. Balton	....	assistant location manager (as Lori A. Balton-Sharp)
Lesley Brander	....	dramatic coach
Richard Brander	....	dramatic coach
Cathleen Clarke	....	production assistant
Marcia Coleman	....	first aid
Karen Day	....	production accountant
David Fulton	....	unit publicist
Clifford M. Hirsch	....	studio teacher
Lori Imbler	....	assistant: Robert Chartoff
Tom Keniston	....	assistant production accountant (as Thomas F. Keniston)
Jon Kuyper	....	production assistant (as Jonathan B. Kuyper)
Kacy Magedman	....	production assistant (as Kacy L. Magedman)
Gregory Manson	....	assistant production accountant
James A. McPeak	....	craft service: Philadelphia
Barbara Millie	....	location liaison: Philadelphia
Susan Persily	....	assistant: Sylvester Stallone
Janice Polley	....	location manager
Missy Pray	....	assistant production coordinator
John Reul	....	production assistant
Carol Sagusti	....	assistant: Michael S. Glick
Michael Stermel	....	representative: Philadelphia Police
Laura Tateishi	....	production coordinator (as Laura 'L.T.' Tateishi)
Steve Timinskas	....	production assistant
Angela C. Tortu	....	production assistant: Philadelphia (as Angela Tortu)
Maria Tortu	....	production assistant: Philadelphia
Michael Vieira	....	production assistant: Sylvester Stallone
Kathryn Weygand	....	script supervisor
Jeff Winn	....	craft service
Joyce Wilson Fetherolf	....	assistant: John G. Avildsen (uncredited)
Jeff Langton	....	coach: Tommy Morrison (uncredited)

Thanks
Jane Oliver	....	dedicatee

Production Companies

• Star Partners III Ltd.
• United Artists

Distributors

• MGM/UA Distribution Company (1990) (USA) (theatrical)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2004) (USA) (DVD)
• United International Pictures (UIP) (1990) (Germany) (theatrical)
• United International Pictures (UIP) (1990) (UK) (theatrical)
• 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (2006) (USA) (DVD)
• 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (2009) (USA) (DVD) (Blu-ray) (The Undisputed Collection)
• Chapel Distribution (1997) (Australia) (theatrical) (35mm print)
• United International Pictures (UIP) (1990) (France) (theatrical)
• 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (????) (Brazil) (DVD)
• American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1994) (USA) (TV)
• Argentina Video Home (1995) (Argentina) (VHS)
• Blu Shine (2010) (Argentina) (video) (Blu-ray)
• Gativideo (2007) (Argentina) (DVD) (6-disc Rocky Anthology)
• MGM Home Entertainment (2009) (USA) (DVD) (Blu-ray) (The Undisputed Collection)
• United Artists
• Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (2011) (Argentina) (DVD) (6-disc Rocky: The Complete Saga)
• Warner Home Vídeo (199?) (Brazil) (VHS)

Special Effects

• Special Effects Unlimited

Other Companies

• BEL.com  set communications
• Capitol Records  soundtrack
• Cinema Research  montage composites
• Cinema Research  titles
• Coast to Coast Catering  catering
• Pacific Title  opticals
• Seiniger Advertising  main titles
• Seiniger Advertising  montage
• Warner Hollywood Studios  sound re-recording

Also Known As:

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Italian

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-14 | Germany:12 | Norway:15 | Singapore:PG | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG-13 | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba) | Canada:14A | Iceland:14 (original rating) | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Mexico:A | Canada:14A (Ontario - 2006) | South Korea:15 | Brazil:14 | Portugal:M/12 | Italy:T

Filming Locations:

Max Busch House, 160 South San Rafael Street, Pasadena, California, USA

Company:

Star Partners III Ltd.

Trivia:

This is the only film in the entire Rocky saga to have lost money at the box office.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Rocky is getting off the plane his son comes running through the crowd, Rocky has no sunglasses on when he sees his son, but when he hugs his son, his sunglasses are on.

Quotes:

George W. Duke:[speaking to Tommy after a press conference, where the media's obsession with Rocky Balboa has disturbed Tommy] As long as they've got Balboa on the brain he'll always be champ. The man fought wars in the ring!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Godzilla vs. Megalon (#3.12)" (1991)

Soundtrack:

Go For It! (Heart and Fire!)

He is going back to where it all began. When you're down and out, the best shot is, simply, to … Go for it!

When a doctor or a family member tells you that the only life you have ever know is over, that can be a pretty bitter pill too swallow. In Rocky V, Rocky Balboa is faced with such a scenario. This movie proves to me that you need to have more than one string to your arrow, as you never know when it might come in handy one day. Rocky V also points out that money and possession are not the important things in life, but family and (true) friends are!

Losing it all does not mean a thing unless you've got something to lose… And Rocky Balboa had it all. Times have changed, though, for former Heavyweight champion of the world. A lifetime of fighting has taken its toll, mentally and physically, and the maneuverings of an scrupulous accountant have left him financially strapped. But resiliency and the ability to come back have been trademarks of the Rocky legend. Just when it looks like the champ is down for the count, he discovers the raw talent of a young fighter named Tommy Gunn, who just might be Rocky's last chance for glory. In a world where achievement is marked by dollars and cents, and in a profession where success is measured in wins and losses, Rocky Balboa knows that, whatever the struggle, your only hope is to give it your best shot.

This film is probably the weakest of the five films in the Rocky series. Yet there are some very good parts to it. The way we see Rocky get over bankruptcy was very good, as is the way he eventually makes his family the most important thing in his life. Again I found this story to be good, though I guess it lacked that real Rocky feel to it, mainly because the champ was unwilling or unable to get into the ring. Stallone has done a grand job in being the writer of all the Rocky films.

The cast make a final appearance, that is reasonably good. Stallone is good as Rocky once again. His character is still trying to make a contribution to fighting, after being told that he can no longer professionally fight in the ring. So he helps out fresh talent, Tommy ‘Machine' Gunn, who is acted by real life boxer Tommy Morrison. I found this character to be just far to arrogant and stubborn, which in a way did not suit being a part of the Balboa corner. Tommy has had an interesting life, not only fighting wise, but in a personal way. He has been caught in drug rackets, drink driving and admitted to the world that he has contracted the fatal HIV virus. I am not so sure he is the greatest of actors though.

The normal cast members were good. Talia Shire's character Adrian, lets the world know that her husband is finished boxing and has nothing else to prove in the boxing ring. Making a special appearance was star from the first three films, that of Burgess Meredith. Just seeing him onscreen was really satisfying. Mickey was a favourite character of mine. I must mention that I liked seeing Stallone's very own son Sage, in Rocky as Rocky's son, Rocky Jnr. He was pretty good as the son that felt left out in the cold. He also has a mean punch like the old man as well.

I found that all the Rocky films had terrific soundtracks. This is due to the great work by composer, Bill Conti. Bill has done a wonderful job in organising the music to go with all the fighting scenes and the poignant scenes which require that tune to set them off just nicely. Rocky five had probably the best song on any of the soundtracks, that being the Elton John hit ‘Measure of a man'. I think it is a wonderful song, with some terrific lyrics. I have loved most of the music that the Rocky movies have given us.

Rocky V might not be the best movie ever made, but it certainly had some sort of impact on me. I believe if a movie only makes a slight impression on you, then it has achieved in a small way what it was meant to do. I heard that plans for Rocky VI were being made, with a script finished by Stallone just a few years ago. Personally, I feel that if it was to be made it would not be that great a film, because Balboa can no longer make a comeback in the ring, and if he does, he could well become as his wife said ‘disabled'. All things being said, these films are a terrific avenue of motivation and can help any person get the spark back to turn their luck around in any venture they pursue.

Rating 3 Stars or 6.5/10