The Rocky Series: A Misstep After Rocky Balboa

When reviewing the Rocky series, it becomes clear that the line of films should have concluded with Rocky Balboa. Although Rocky V was not a fan favorite, it represented a fitting end to the character's journey. The films that followed added little to the core narrative and, in many ways, diluted the essence of the original series.

Why Rocky Balboa Should Have Been the Last Film

Rocky Balboa represented the epitome of Rocky's story. After the turbulent conclusion of Rocky IV, Rocky found peace and closure. This was the film that allowed him to move on from boxing, reconnect with his son, and come to terms with the loss of his beloved wife. In contrast, the subsequent Creed series began to deviate from this heartwarming resolution into a character reboot. Here, Rocky suffered further and his character development was lost.

Why the Creed Films Ruined Rocky's Legacy

Creed films, particularly Creed II, attempted to recapture the spirit of Rocky Balboa. However, they ended up being a rehash of Adonis Creed's story, often unfavorably compared to the character of Rocky. The series went from offering a wholesome resolution to Rocky's legacy to inconsistencies and plot holes that detracted from the original franchise.

Likely Doom for the Rocky Franchise

By continuing with Creed films, the Rocky franchise has taken a path similar to that of Star Wars—the decline from beloved classic to a series of redundant sequels. The inclusion of Adonis Creed, while initially promising, ended up diluting the authentic Rocky narrative. Rocky's son, originally a source of celebration, was later portrayed as depressed and estranged. This shift not only killed the sequel's potential but also undermined the original series' heart.

A Critical Look at Rocky Balboa: Atrocious or Merit?

Rocky Balboa is often criticized for being spectacularly bad. The film is so far from the original's quality that even the training montage and the thrilling final fight are overshadowed by the subsequent sequels. The 1980s 'Team America' spirit of Rocky IV was perhaps a necessary evil, but the later narrative, marked by Adrian's death and Rocky's descent into a restaurant business, felt contrived.

What Went Wrong with the Later Sequels?

The fifth movie, Rocky Balboa, is regarded as atrocious, jumping the shark quickly. The story of losing money and becoming a trainer was a fleeting subplot, and the intense street fight with "Tommy Gunn" only managed to sustain interest for a brief moment. The narrative then became convoluted, with the inclusion of a dead Paulie and an estranged relationship with Rocky's son. This created an artificial conflict that felt more forced than organic.

In the Creed films, the story of Adonis Creed, while conceptually interesting, was marred by numerous plot holes. For instance, why would Creed's widow accept the bastard child sired by another man, far from his death? In addition, the character's girlfriend being deaf seemed to be gratuitous drama. These elements detracted from the original Rocky's compelling narrative and strong character arcs.

Ultimately, while Rocky V was not the best in the series, it represented a potential endpoint. The Creed films, while aiming to restore the Rocky legacy, only succeeded in ruining it with their convoluted storytelling and lack of emotional depth. The Rocky series, therefore, might have been best served by ending with Rocky Balboa, thus preserving the integrity and heart of the original narrative.