The Next Reel Film Podcast

How does Rocky V hold up to the other films? Do Tommy Gunn and Duke work as the villains? What about Rocky’s relationship with his son? Does it work? Tune in to this week’s show to find out these answers and more.

Show Notes

"It ain’t all muscle, it’s all heart. Heart and fire."

Sylvester Stallone returned to his beloved Rocky series in 1990, fully intending to close it out with a story as powerful as the first one. He even got John G. Avildsen back to direct it. Unfortunately, the film was a weaker film, one that didn’t find much love from critics or audiences. It made its money back and was a financial success at the box office, but nowhere near the four films that preceded it. But how does it hold up nearly 30 years later? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Avildsen’s 1990 film Rocky V.

We talk about the script and why most of the problems come from here (even if Andy finds them much more egregious than Pete). We look at what happens to the characters we’ve been following through this franchise so far – Rocky, Adrian, Paulie – and what this script and film is doing with them. We look at the antagonists of the film – Duke and Tommy – and chat about their strengths and weaknesses. We look at the relationship Rocky has with his son, played by Stallone’s real son Sage, and why that’s such a strong element of the story. And we look at what Avildsen is bringing to the film and wonder why it still feels largely like a Stallone film.

It’s a rough entry in the franchise, but it’s one that half of us still enjoy. And we certainly have a great time talking about it. So check it out then tune in to this week’s show. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.