Showing posts with label Rocky IV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rocky IV. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

The Top 10 moments of The Last Of The Americans in 2022

  (0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it before cutting to James in his office physically)

TLOTA:
I’m James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans, and the views that I’m about to express are that of my own and some of yours. 2022, felt like the unofficial sequel year to 2020! (Cut to moments from The Last Of The Americans in 2022 as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA(V.O.):
Between dwindling numbers in audience views and Chad coming up with bad ideas that have slowed my evolution to the next step to a point where my professional reputation took a massive hit to the point where my fuse is shorter than a Tiktok video. And now, we talk about the project that has been a fight to get off the ground which IS my next evolutionary step on the path to more success in my profession. On the plus side, I finally got that rat bastard Doug Walker out of my life in terms of competition, met a fan, and had all sorts of good times, and Ten of them are coming your way! (Cut to James physically. That's right, five from you and five of my own! (Cut to James as he turns into James Faraci)

James Faraci:
So it's time for the Top Ten Moments of The Last Of The Americans in 2022.

(Scene begins with a laser hitting a slab of Titanium as the music of the 1994 American Gladiators opening theme plays the angle of the camera goes into the laser as three shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as the shadows reveal themselves to be James Faraci in the center, Paulo Fonseca on the right and Rebecca Yaun on the left as their names appear above the characters. As the three run out of frame moving forward, four more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear and the shadows reveal themselves as Brenda Fonseca on the right, Nick Yaun on the left, and John and Mike Santos and their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame moving forward, five more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as they reveal themselves to be Renee Miller and Eric Kurtzke on the right, Andrew Beach and Ed Champion on the left, and Olivia Horvath appears in the center as their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame credits of “Written and directed by James Faraci, Edited by Eric Kurtzke, Makeup by Olivia Horvath Produced by First Choice Productions” as it ends the Laser beam disappears and at the 0:28 mark of the theme song the words “The” “Last” “Of” “The” appears. At the 0:32-0:36 mark, the word “Americans” start to come forward as it pulls down, and James’ Morpher and Sonic Screwdriver is flung into the frame as James grabs both and morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 10
(Cut to clips of "Reality Checkout: "The Real World" destruction of MTV" as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
Originally, I had planned this to be a Reality Checkout on the "16 & Pregnant/Teen Mom" series, but I scrapped it due to one personal event and one realization.  The personal event was that I welcomed a new family member, baby Kinsleigh, and realized the series was a symptom of a network ravaged by Reality TV disease.  And to be honest, I was there when MTV was Music Television, NOT Mediocre Television. While yes, I will admit I enjoyed the first few seasons, I found the series no longer interesting. However, the network meant to showcase Up and Coming Musicians and see legends get a younger fan base saw its Modis Operandi tossed out the window, and TV has gotten worse because of it. I also thought it would be a great lead-in for what was at the number two spot.

(Show clip of James shouting "CHAD!" as the echo roars over Sullivan County, All of New York, the United States, the Earth, and then the rest of the world as it fades to black then cuts to the 0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 9
(Cut to "The Punisher" and The Punishment of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans" as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
Sitting through this was actually fun. Watching The Russian and Frank fight reminded me why their brawl almost made my Top Ten funniest fights list back in 2015. However, when I posted a link in August on Manic Expression, I got a comment correcting certain things, like why Frank Castle's new logo looks the way it does. The commenter said quote, "As for the Punisher’s skull, it’s been co-opted by a number of people who miss the whole point of the Punisher’s character, such as cops (the Punisher exists because of a FAILURE of the system, and he is an outlaw), and … well, some really nasty extremist groups I’d rather not mention here. Changing the Punisher’s symbol in the comics is how Marvel deals with the problem in the short term, at least." endquote. He also commented on my framing story, which is the continuous headache Chad Narducci gives The Last Of The Americans. And Yes, The references to a certain internet game show were to show how much the wrong people and the wrong ideas helped destroy that site and certain people's credibility. Aware of that, I have been referencing how credibility and reputation can be destroyed, and if others keep pushing bad, that will destroy you professionally and personally.

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 8
(Cut to "The Different Cuts of ROCKY IV" clips as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
Watching both versions of this movie and seeing how different these two movies are. I mean, the classic Rocky IV is so well-known when I put on the Drago cut; I was surprised at how Stallone remade what many fans consider a classic in his filmography. Though I was surprised by how different the Drago cut was from the theatrical cut. Many known elements were either removed, downplayed, or given more time. The Robot in Rocky IV was removed, Uncle Paulie, played by Burt Young, and Ludmilla Drago, played by Brigitte Nielson, was severely downplayed. Surprisingly when Dolph Lundgren was given more time, he showed he could act. However, I felt the classic worked better because it was more well-known. Once people see the Drago Cut more, they might give it a chance. And since it was Rocky, I decided to satire something. That's when I decided to go for the obvious, the "Rocky III" freeze frame ending between Apollo and Rocky. Thankfully Chad and I agreed to do that in one take. And I loved getting a chance to talk about this movie.

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 7
(Cut to "Nine years and "The Quest" continues" clips as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
This was one I HAD to review as a Superman fan myself; I knew all that I needed to know about the movie. Then I had to deal with what I called the Linkara connection. That means knowing when someone does a review of this movie, Linkara is more or less likely to be on board. This is where I also gave my character a challenge and a setback that would help give me something to overcome. To placate Chad Narducci for something beyond his control, The Last Of The Americans had to give up majority control of his production company to Chad. But it was also when I was working on the review that I noticed something no one else had. In the same scene Lex was dancing with that Marie Antoinette look alike, Lenny, played by Jon Cryer, was playing with A ROB the Robot on a Nintendo Entertainment System! That's right! THE first recorded showing of a Nintendo on the big screen and it wasn't in The Wizard but it was in fact, Superman IV: The Quest For Peace! Also, I felt I had to defend the whole Superman taking on Nuclear Disarmament because with things just as tense as it was back in the 1980's and with world leaders being less competent now, we need someone with no political ties to stop us from hurting ourselves! And the whole "There will be peace" Speech makes sense when you realize that no Government will give it to them, not even our Government. So when you understand those aspects, even the cheesier moments aren't as bad nor will they make any more sense.

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 6
(Cut to clips of the Last Of The Americans "Austin Powers Trilogy" as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
Sitting through these three, I had forgotten how good Mike Myers was as an actor and a writer. Some jokes were so well-timed that I had to put in my take on them. Plus, I wanted to expand my character by showing he had something before he was an Internet Reviewer. Also to explain some of the technology James had. However as I was going on this ride, tragedy struck one of our own. As I was finishing up this trilogy Marsha Kent-Rodriguez AKA She-Rod AAKA the wife of Eric "E-Rod The Blockbuster Buster" Rodriguez passed away due to complications from COVID complications. I dedicated what was unanimously agreed the best of the trilogy which happened to be "The Spy Who Shagged Me". This also marked me doing research on the movies and the stories behind things that happened while the movie was made. So getting to add more to give people felt good and this was one of my favorite trilogies, I've done for my three month season premiere!

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 5
(Cut to "Life's a "Splash"" clips as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
This was one I wanted to review because it remains one of the last great romantic comedies I've ever seen, and I wanted to celebrate this movie by reviewing it. I also addressed the Allison Pregler elephant in the room and mentioned what Disney+ did when they released the movie on that platform. Also, maybe it's me, but I loved how the story and acting were so well-paced when I was younger. But going into it with all the information, I found it an even more interesting story. I had to share that Allen was willing to give Madison up to save her from being a Government experiment. I felt for Eugene Levy's Character, Dr. Cornbluth, first having to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and feeling that you have to prove yourself with everything you do, having to defend your rights, even if you're alone in them, having to fight for every scrap of dignity only to have someone come and pummel you nearly to death because of it. I made this one of my favorite reviews because I put a lot of effort into giving it the dignity it deserves. 

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 4 
(Cut to "Ghostbusters have an "Afterlife" of five hundred years" & "The "Extreme" end of "Ghostbusters" clips as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
Watching Ghostbusters: Afterlife, I saw something that was perfectly cathartic after having 2019 and 2020 be two of the worst years of my life, both personally and professionally; I needed to have a movie that allow me to laugh and cry at the same time. So to honor this, I decided that this movie needed a review worthy of the movie itself, no sketches, no comedy unless it was a joke worthy of The Last Of The Americans. As for the Extreme Ghostbusters review, that was partly because I needed a crossover, and I think the one at the number two spot would probably not count as a real crossover. Which is when I remembered I had to deal with the Extreme Ghostbusters. While I was the expert in the series, having seen it in its original syndicated run. Having checked out what I thought was essential to the series, Rowdy came up with some of the best jokes I've heard in a review, and everything just worked. It was something I needed to watch, and I needed to celebrate in my review.

(0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 3 
(Cut to clips of both "What Is Star Trek Syndrome? & "A Taste of The Rainbow"

James Faraci (V.O.):
Ashleigh Burton inspired this one as she watched "Galaxy Quest," and I decided to give it a watch. Once I did, I discovered that not only was this a parody of Star Trek, but it felt more like a study of what happened to the cast of Star Trek and to the creator Gene Roddenberry and then I saw it in other fandoms. It helped postulate a theory I had about tv and movie franchises, the cast, and the people who work on these franchise series. I surmised and came to conclusions that hopefully everyone would understand. "A Taste Of The "Rainbow" got done because my plans to review of "The Man" fell through because outside of a few jokes. So I had to ask everyone I could help with something to review. Rowdy AKA Chris Lee Moore, saved my backside with Rainbow Brite and The Star Stealer! However when I saw it, it made me remember of something I had seen 25 years ago this year.  Joel Schumacher's "Batman & Robin!". So I had gotten those Vietnam Flashbacks and decided to put that experience into the review. (Show the clip of James as he has his Vietnam Flashback to "Batman & Robin" and as it ends James continues his voiceover) Just two favorites that tied at the same point. Fans loved both and I loved them so why not let them share the same spot.

(Show clip of James as he wakes up from his Vietnam Flashback covered in blood and Rainbow colors as Rowdy asks "What happened?" and James responds with "I don't know!" Cut to 0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
Number 2
(Cut to clips of "April's Showers bring a whole lotta "CARNAGE" as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (V.O.):
Kent Lilly was a great person to put up with me and my directing and writing. Looking at him, I thought he would be a great Andy Serkis and his ability to do great voices made this review a knockout review. Of course, it also allowed me to relive one of the funniest moments in Movie Award history. At the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, Andy was finishing up his work as Gollum in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and they did a bit in which Gollum/Smeagol and Andy were in the same room and dealing with the award. It was perfect parody fodder and Kent again had to go through hours of makeup to become the Gollum/Smeagol parody and we shot all the scenes of Kent in the full make up and then work backwards also helped that Kent is a great voice over artist. I truly can say he is the best at voice work and I thank him for being professional and letting me know how big a Jackass I can be.  

(Cut to "Andy Serkis" in full Gollum mode as he ends his cursing rant with James grabbing him and saying "Goodnight" and the reviews ends. Cut to the scene as it begins with a laser hitting a slab of Titanium as the music of the 1994 American Gladiators opening theme plays the angle of the camera goes into the laser as three shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as the shadows reveal themselves to be James Faraci in the center, Paulo Fonseca on the right and Rebecca Yaun on the left as their names appear above the characters. As the three-run out of frame moving forward, four more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear and the shadows reveal themselves as Brenda Fonseca on the right, Nick Yaun on the left, and John and Mike Santos and their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame moving forward, five more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as they reveal themselves to be Renee Miller and Eric Kurtzke on the right, Andrew Beach and Ed Champion on the left, and Olivia Horvath appears in the center as their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame credits of “Written and directed by James Faraci, Edited by Eric Kurtzke, Makeup by Olivia Horvath Produced by First Choice Productions” as it ends the Laser beam disappears and at the 0:28 mark of the theme song the words “The” “Last” “Of” “The” appears. At the 0:32-0:36 mark, the word “Americans” start to come forward as it pulls down, and James’ Morpher and Sonic Screwdriver is flung into the frame as James grabs both and morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. The Laser returns to cut out the Number)

James Faraci (Voiceover):
And The Number One Best moment of 2022 is...
(Cut to clips of the "The Top Ten Best Episodes of The Orville...So Far" as James does a voiceover)


James Faraci (Voiceover):
When I first saw the series, one thought came to mind. It felt like I was watching Seth MacFarland's take on those 1990s syndicated Star Trek series, and while yeah, it started off that way, it took a different direction and became the purest Sci-Fi Series I have ever seen. Once Fox gave it the boot after saying they'd give it a third season, Hulu gave it a last-second stay of execution, and the third season became one of the best in the entire series, I decided, much like with my fandom of "Life As A Mermaid," I figured I would celebrate the series' success throughout its run and unlike "Mermaid," "The Orville" looks to keep going and something tells me I am going to be another Top ten about the series further down the line. And I am looking forward to more from Seth and the cast of The Orville. I love celebrating success and call this series the best success Seth MacFarland has had, and I hope this success continues for several more seasons!

(Cut to James physically)

James Faraci:
What will 2023 bring me? Well, how about my tenth anniversary, for starters. Maybe some good news in developing my movie... (Air raid sirens blare) My god... It's happening! It's Really Happening! RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES TO THE SHELTER! (James runs as he morphs off camera as the camera work becomes shaky, and James runs into everyone else as everyone starts to fear something wrong, James yells to them to head for the shelter in the basement! Everyone runs in, with James being the last guy in.)

TLOTA:
My god, we've done it! We've really done it! If this makes it out in any way, shape, or form, I have to say that I blame you for the end of the world! I'm James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans, and...I think it's for real this time! (Power flickers out)

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

The Different Cuts of "Rocky IV"

(Scene starts with a laser beam in the sky as the music of the 1994 American Gladiators opening theme plays the angle of the camera goes into the laser as four shadowed figures with a lasered outlines appear as the shadows reveal themselves to be James Faraci in the center, Paulo Fonseca on the right and Rebecca Yaun on the left as their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame moving towards the camera, four more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear and the shadows reveal themselves as Brenda Fonseca on the right, Nick Yaun on the left, and John and Mike Santos, and their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame moving forward moving towards the camera, five more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as they reveal themselves to be Renee Miller and Eric Kurtzke on the right, Andrew Beach and Ed Champion on the left, and Olivia Horvath appears in the center as their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame credits of “Written by James Faraci, Edited by Eric Kurtzke, Makeup by Olivia Horvath Produced by First Choice Productions” as it ends the Laser beam disappears and at the 0:28 mark of the theme song the laser beam cut out the words “The” “Last” “Of” “The” appear. At the 0:32-0:36 mark, the word “Americans” start to come forward as it pulls down, and James’ Morpher and Sonic Screwdriver is flung into the frame as James grabs both and morphs into The Last Of The Americans with James Daniel Walsh on his right with half of team TLOTA and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. Fade cut to James in his office.)

TLOTA:
I’m James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and The views I’m about to express are that of my own and some of yours. And hey-yo! It’s time for The Different Cuts! (Whistling version of “The Lumberjack Song” is heard as Team TLOTA dressed as Lumberjacks see a gigantic piece of film celluloid and James chops it down and the other members cut it to different lengths and on the ends sticking out of the back of the truck the words “The Different Cuts” are seen in differing syllables. Cut to clips from the ROCKY/CREED movies as “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor plays in the foreground and James does voiceovers.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
The ROCKY movies and its continuation movie series CREED have been quite a solidly entertaining story. With the ROCKY movies it told the tale of an underdog boxer named Rocky Balboa played by Sylvester Stallone as he was given a chance to go for the World Heavyweight Championship against Apollo Creed played by Carl Weathers and the sequels in real-time showed Rocky’s Rise, Fall, and Redemption with who he is and, in the interim, becomes a champion, celebrity, and ultimately Robert “Rocky” Balboa. The continuation movie series CREED tells the tale of Adonis Johnson, a child born of wedlock to Apollo Creed, and his tale of trying to discover who he is by going into the ring and seeing if he is his father’s son or if Adonis is his own man as he should be. The Sequel to Creed sees him dealing with demons of his dad’s and Rocky’s past in the form of the son of Ivan Drago, Viktor played by Florian Munteanu. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And Ivan was the challenge that sealed the fates of so many in ROCKY IV! (Cut to the title card from the trailer of Rocky IV then to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
While critically it did not do as well as the first three, Rocky IV remains to this day the most commercially successful movie in the entire Rocky franchise. And to celebrate the success of Creed II, Sylvester Stallone decided to release a director’s cut of the film. Interesting choice seeing as how Stallone was the Writer and Director of Rocky IV. But after both the pandemic and other delays in 2021 Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago was released on digital and it is one of the best directors’s cut’s of a movie I have seen since The Lord Of The Rings Special Editions. And that is a statement I don’t make lightly. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And today, we’re going to decide which movie is the better cut in the four rounds. Our first round is the plot! (Cut to dual opening points on Blu-Ray covers which turns to the front of the covers the Blu-Rays the one on the right showing the Classic Rocky IV cover and the one of the left showing the Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago cover. The two covers collide and explode and the words “THE PLOT” appear in the title font of the trailer of Rocky IV as the first forty-eight seconds of Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor plays in the foreground. Cut to the different cuts of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
Inspired by the stories of the battles between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling and the political heat between the Countries. Ivan Drago as a peaceful ambassador wants to take on a goodwill exhibition with Rocky Balboa. However, Apollo Creed wanted to try to start a comeback which ends in tragedy as Ivan Drago ends Apollo Creed in the exhibition in Las Vegas! Wanting justice for what happened to Apollo, Rocky goes to the USSR in a non-sanctioned fight to put Ivan Drago down in the ring!  But which one set this event up in the right direction? To be honest, I have to give it to the Drago cut. Nothing against the classic version. It just wasn’t well set up if you ask me. The original set up Rocky’s life which included his son this time played under a Pseudonym by Seargeoh Stallone, who is Sylvester’s other son, and how the Drago stuff was poorly set up. The Drago cut has the fights better set up and shows the friendship that started in the turning point of Rocky III and developed between III and IV. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And with that, the first round goes to Drago cut! (Cut to the original version’s poster on the left of the screen and the Drago cut on the right with one Boxing glove on the poster while the first twenty seconds of “Hearts On Fire” by John Cafferty. Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Now we move on to what has become the most heated part of this movie’s differences, Editing! (Cut to dual opening points on Blu-Ray covers which turn to the front of the covers the Blu-Rays the one on the right showing the Classic Rocky IV cover and the one on the left showing the Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago cover. The two covers collide and explode and the words “EDITING” appear in the title font of the trailer of Rocky IV as the first forty-eight seconds of Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor plays in the foreground. Cut to the different cuts of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
I have to say that the editing is as different as night and day and there are Spoilers here, you have been warned. While the original version is mostly montages and fights as is the Drago cut. There’s no major difference in time but there is in tone. The opening has changed, where the original picked up at the end of Rocky III before moving towards what happens with Rocky and his life, The Drago Cut gives us the start of the timeline of their friendship, shows us where the two had grown, and sets up Apollo’s character arc at this point. The fight between Apollo and Drago while ending the same way with Apollo buying the farm but, in the Drago cut, it was as brutal but this cut did give Apollo a fighting chance. And in the original version towards the end of the fight, Duke, played by Tony Burton is begging Rocky to throw the towel and Apollo grunts out one last “No” or two. In the Drago Cut, Duke’s pleads comes seconds before that fatal knockout blow, so he didn’t even have the chance to question what to do. And Ivan gloats a bit more. The Funeral is different as well. Where Rocky was stoic as he tells what Apollo meant to him. In the Drago Cut, he is barely able to speak because he’s had at this point been through a lot with Apollo, first as rivals in Rocky and Rocky II, then as friends in Rocky III and this movie. Then there is the added scene of Rocky and The Boxing Commission considering what to do next, especially with somewhat despondent Rocky blaming himself for the death of Apollo. Because in the original version, this moment was briefly seen as photos setting up the press conference between Rocky and Drago. That’s another part of this that I have to talk about. While the original had more moments of Ludmilla, played by Brigitte Nielsen, doing the speaking for her husband, because, at the time, Stallone was engaged to Nielsen and probably gave the role as a way of supporting her. Well in the Drago cut with the exception of a few lines have been scrubbed out of the movie, partly due to the fact that two years after the movie was released Stallone and Nielsen were divorced. Also scrubbed out is most of Burt Young’s performance of Paulie as has the robot that was used for the movie, because, I swear upon heaven and earth this is true, Seargeoh Stallone is Autistic and apparently this robot was used to help him with his Autism.  (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Which now has opened a can of worms for me. (James pulls out his Morpher and reverts back to being James Faraci)

James Faraci:
In the mid-1990s, I was diagnosed with Autism myself, specifically, Asperger’s, which is a high-functioning form of Autism. However, I have never let that be my defining trait about me. I consider myself, A very dependable worker, A College Student, An Uncle to three, A great-uncle to baby Kinsleigh, A man who is trying so hard to get a project I have been working on that it is killing me slowly, and A wonderful cook, A Son and someone who is trying to get everything in his life together! As well as an Internet Reviewer. Being Autistic will never define me.  Now with that said… (James pulls out his Morpher and becomes The Last Of The Americans again.)

TLOTA:
Let’s get back at it with the editing. (Cut to the different cuts of Rocky IV as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
The Classic is more recognizable for a lot. MTV music video style editing and Montage, Apollo Creed’s death is brutal, Cold War ideology, and not much is different. The Montages are also a little different. The No Way Out segment where Rocky tries to understand his grief isn’t as slick as the MTV music video it’s supposed to be in the original. The scenes of the past take on more blue, darker hues and are grainier the Drago cut. The training montages are also different. Rocky’s first training montage is composed of different takes if not moments that probably work better in the Drago cut. The fight between Rocky and Drago is different at the beginning and the end. While the fight between the two in the original cut and Drago Cut is the same, for the most part. One moment where Rocky is knocked down and much like in Rocky Balboa tells himself through inner monologue as to what to do next after a near knockdown and the montage between the end of the second round and the final round is nearly identical, just some technical aspects of the fighting choreography and it feels less like the MTV music video in the original. While the fight itself ends in the same way. The speech feels different. In the Original cut, he gives the speech about how change can be a good thing and wishes his son a Merry Christmas. Did I forget that this fight takes place at Christmas time? Better late than never. Then we come to the Drago cut of the speech where it feels as impactful it ends with Rocky shaking Drago’s hand and walking out of the ring while “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor plays in the foreground. (Cut to James Physically)

TLOTA:
So which one takes this round? This one is going to have to go to the Judges. (Cut to Paulo Fonseca, Nick Yaun, and Eric Kurtzke at a table discussing which version between the two cuts)

Nick Yaun:
After much discussion which includes all the differences, we have a split decision! (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
HOW?! (Cut to Eric Kurtzke)

Eric Kurtzke:
After watching both cuts, I think the classic version is the best-edited version. Paulo? (Cut to Paulo Fonseca.)

Paulo Fonseca:
I actually found the Drago cut the better-edited version because it felt like how Sylvester Stallone would have done it if he could’ve had more say. Nick? (Cut to Nick Yaun)

Nick Yaun:
The two cuts were so good; that I could not decide which one is best. (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
So in this case both get the point. (Cut to the original version’s poster with one Boxing Glove on the poster on the left of the screen and the Drago cut on the right with Two Boxing gloves on the poster while the first twenty seconds of “Hearts On Fire” by John Cafferty. Cut to James physically as a bell rings)

TLOTA:
Okay, the first half of the review is over; I need to take a break. I need a rubdown and some water. We’ll be back.

(The scene fades to black it then cuts to the 0:36 mark of the 1994 American Gladiators theme as it shows James entirely morphed with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings "The Last Of The Americans." Cut to the 0:36 mark of the 1994 American Gladiators theme shows James entirely morphed with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings "The Last Of The Americans." Cut to James as he is getting rubbed down by his team, given inspirational messages by Alex, and taking a swig of water and a bell ring as everyone disperses.)

TLOTA:
Okay, okay, I’m ready to go again. And now it’s time for the Cast and characters! (Cut to dual opening points on Blu-Ray covers which turn to the front of the covers the Blu-Rays the one on the right showing the Classic Rocky IV cover and the one on the left showing the Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago cover. The two covers collide and explode and the words “CAST & CHARACTERS” appear in the title font of the trailer of Rocky IV as the first forty-eight seconds of Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor plays in the foreground. Cut to the different cuts of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
Talk about a great cast brought together by great storytelling. Sylvester Stallone who wrote and directed this movie as well as Rocky II, III, & Rocky Balboa, Talia Shire as Adrian, Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, Burt Young as Paulie, Dolph Lundgren as Ivan Drago, Tony Burton as Duke, Brigitte Nelson as Ludmilla and so many others. But which one did this cast use better? Well as I said in the editing segment that while Brigitte was scrubbed out as was most of the Drago cut as was Burt Young’s Paulie, The Robot, among other characters. However, (Cut to Team TLOTA as they say “To Be Fair” in the same way Letterkenny does it as it cuts back to the movie as James does a voiceover.) Dolph getting more screen time and showing that Drago has more personality and depth isn’t a bad thing. This is where the Drago cut shines. And the cast did a great job, this is where the original Rocky IV shows its age as the cast have to handle the situation in the same way, and to me, the less is more gives Drago a mystique that Rocky had to break in the ring. Part of what keeps people watching this and quoting/referencing this is the performances. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Which gives the edge to the Original. Nothing against The Drago cut but for me, I enjoyed the classic and when we get to the final round We’ll discuss why. And for me, the point goes to the original cut.

(Cut to the original version’s poster with Two Boxing Gloves on the poster on the left of the screen and the Drago cut on the right with Two Boxing gloves on the poster while the first twenty seconds of “Hearts On Fire” by John Cafferty. Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
We’re tied up in the points, so this is going to the final round, The Re-Watch Factor!

(Cut to dual opening points on Blu-Ray covers which turns to the front of the covers the Blu-Rays the one on the right showing the Classic Rocky IV cover and the one of the left showing the Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago cover. The two covers collide and explode and the words “Re-Watch Factor” appear in the title font of the trailer of Rocky IV as the first forty-eight seconds of Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor plays in the foreground. Cut to the different cuts of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
The classic version has been in the pop culture lexicon for so long, it has the Re-Watch Factor without question. The Drago cut is a unique retelling of this movie. Showing Drago as someone who is the total package in the Drago cut is interesting and is the best retelling of Rocky IV. But it needs time to get to the point of the original cut. What made both versions of this movie incredible wasn’t the fight which according to the trailer for the Drago Cut was voted “The Greatest Fight in Cinematic History”, where that was? I don’t know but it was voted as such. It was the realistic views and when you watch the Drago cut, the views seemed a little less realistic but it was ultimately felt as less than the original. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And as cheesy and as corny as the classic was, it still remains an amazing movie from the 1980s that aged well. It’s that age that gives the Classic cut the win in this fight.

(Cut to the original version’s poster with Three Boxing Gloves on the poster on the left of the screen and the Drago cut on the right with Two Boxing gloves on the poster while the first twenty seconds of “Hearts On Fire” by John Cafferty. Cut to the final round of Rocky vs Drago with Rocky’s gloves pummeling away at the Drago cut and Rocky gets the knockout. Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Now as for my thoughts on the future of the Creed movies and the character of Rocky Balboa. Well… (Cut to clips of CREED & CREED II as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
After seeing Adonis Creed come out from the shadows of what he felt was something he didn’t know he wanted because of his father’s legacy and what he has ultimately become creating his own legacy. It’s safe to say that there is no need for Rocky Balboa to be in his corner as it was Illustrated in Creed II as Rocky told Adonis that it was his time and sat back down relaxed and then we find Adonis going to his father’s grave saying how it was now his legacy and introduced Apollo to his Granddaughter and Rocky makes the pilgrimage to see not only Robert but also to see his grandson, Logan. And because Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone has said that CREED II was his final movie as Rocky Balboa. I think it would be a good plot point in the third movie for Robert and Adonis to meet, Robert to tell Adonis about Rocky passing away quietly and surrounded by his loving son and grandchildren. And that would cause Adonis to examine how and when he would be at the point Rocky was when Adonis got Rocky in his corner. Whatever happens, We know the legacy of Rocky and Creed is Gonna Fly Now and forever. (Cut to James physically in Boxing gear.)

TLOTA:
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got something to do. I’m James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and that’s my opinion. (James gets up as we see Chad Narducci in one corner of a Boxing Ring and James in the other as John Ross Santos comes into the ring.)

John Ross Santos:
Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you to this winner take all fight. In the White Corner, “The Man” Chad NARDUCCI! (Crickets chirp) and in the red corner, he is “The Last Of The Americans” James Benjamin FARACI! (A roar of people cheers James) Our referee, Ed Champion.

Ed Champion:
I want a good clean fight! Obey my commands at all times! Watch your body punches, kidney punches, rabbit punches, and Low Blows. And remember I am fair yet firm. Touch gloves and get it on! (The fighters touch gloves and the bell rings as James and Chad dance around as the punches connect The Scene freeze frames in the same way as Rocky III. Fade To Black)