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MOVIE

Rocky IV (1985)

Directed by Sylvester Stallone•1h 31m•Published Dec 24, 2022•Episode length 2h 52m
Episode 154 - Rocky IV (and BFE Xmas Party)
Drama

Top cast

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Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone
Robert "Rocky" Balboa
Dolph Lundgren
Dolph Lundgren
Ivan Drago
Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers
Apollo Creed
Talia Shire
Talia Shire
Adrianna "Adrian" Balboa
Burt Young
Burt Young
Paulie Pennino
Brigitte Nielsen
Brigitte Nielsen
Ludmilla Vobet Drago
Tony Burton
Tony Burton
Tony "Duke" Evers
Michael Pataki
Michael Pataki
Nicoli Koloff
Stu Nahan
Stu Nahan
Commentator #1
R
R.J. Adams
Sports Announcer

Director

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Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone
Director
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Overview

Rocky Balboa holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky's training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he's about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country!

Show notes

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If he can change, and they can change, then maybe everybody can change. No, this isn't another Christmas Carol adaptation but rather Sylvester Stallone ending the cold war all by himself in Rocky IV. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and Georgia (Ethan's programming the robot) as we review …

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If he can change, and they can change, then maybe everybody can change.  No, this isn't another Christmas Carol adaptation but rather Sylvester Stallone ending the cold war all by himself in Rocky IV.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and Georgia (Ethan's programming the robot) as we review perhaps the most 80s film there ever was.  We're chopping down trees both literal and metaphorical in our 154th episode as we discuss:

  • The lengths that Stallone & Lundgren went to in order to ensure legitimacy in the film
  • Ian hypothesises that a 1972 goodwill ice hockey series may have served as an inspiration for Rocky IV
  • Who's exactly watching the kid on Christmas Day and why does he have friends over?
  • If this is the least likely Christmas Carol adaptation, who plays the various parts?
  • There's a debate about cup sizes that has nothing to do with brassieres 
  • Georgia reveals she still doesn't like boxing films or the character of Rocky specifically
  • We ask whether or not Apollo was written in the wrong way in this film
  • Ian links the world of boxing and pro wrestling in a few different ways but especially a recent dynamic duo in the pro wrestling ranks and how they've clearly been inspired by Rocky IV
  • We've got some Christmas Carollers who stop by to wish us their very best during the festive season
  • Whether or not Rocky IV is the Best Film Ever

 

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Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of 'Mistake' by Luckydog.  Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor

Also massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song.  You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

Timestamps for this episode:

  • 0:00 - Opening Banter
    9:10 - Reflections & Corrections
    14:35 - Shoutouts
    24:30 - Deep Dive
    2:01:30 - Endgame