'Rocky' recap A quick look at the first five

"Rocky" (1976)
Plot: Rocky is a good-hearted, small-time boxer in Philadelphia making money at a meat factory and collecting for a loan shark when he gets a shot at the big time in a fight with heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. With his crusty trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), urging him on, and the love of a good woman, the selfless Adrian (Talia Shire), he loses by decision but triumphs personally.
Nemesis: Apollo Creed.
Is remembered for: Rocky boxing with meat carcasses, a victory dance on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, "Gonna Fly Now" theme song, "Yo Adrian."
"Rocky II" (1979)
Plot: Rocky squanders his winnings, falls on hard times and has to go back to work, first with Paulie as a meatpacker and then with Mickey at the gym. It's also back to the pet store with the now-pregnant Adrian. Meanwhile, Apollo Creed demands a rematch, Adrian says no way, and then goes into a coma after Rocky Jr. is born. She wakes up in time to selflessly give Rocky the all-clear.
Nemesis: Again, Apollo Creed.
Is remembered for: Rocky and Adrian get married.
"Rocky III" (1982)
Plot: Rocky -- rich and idolized once more -- thinks about retiring but is provoked by boxing bully Clubber Lang to battle for the title -- and gets pummeled. Former nemesis Apollo Creed nurses the Rock's bruised ego and undisciplined bod back into shape for a rematch. Adrian says no way, then selflessly relents. Cue theme song.
Nemesis: Clubber Lang (Mr. T).
Is remembered for: Mickey dies. Also "Eye of the Tiger," the theme song that launched mercifully short-lived career of '80s rock band Survivor.
"Rocky IV" (1985)
Plot: With Rocky as his trainer, nemesis-turned-best friend, Apollo Creed takes on "The Siberian Express," Soviet brute Ivan Drago. Drago ... well ... kills him. Rocky's sad. Destroying Drago would make him feel better. Adrian says no way. He goes to Siberia to train, anyway. Adrian selflessly relents. Big fight, good times ensue.
Nemesis: Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).
Is remembered for: James Brown's rendition of "Living in America" just before Creed gets killed.
"Rocky V" (1990)
Plot: Brain-damaged after the Drago match, Rocky returns to Philly a hero to find he's been ripped off by his accountant. He sells all to pay the IRS and moves back to his old neighborhood. Rocky is tempted to fight again. Adrian says no way. The newly straitened circumstances don't suit Rocky Jr. (Stallone's son Sage), who falls in with a bad crowd and is angry. Dad is tending the career of arrogant young comer Tommy "Machine" Gunn. After he wins a few matches, Tommy ditches Rocky, who mends his relationship with Jr. Tommy decides he can only really be champ if he beats his ex-trainer in a street fight.
Nemesis: Tommy "Machine" Gunn (Tommy Morrison).
Is remembered for: Got seven "Razzie Award" nods for worst actor, actress, director, picture, screenplay, supporting actor and original song.
--Newsday