The problem with the ROCKY movies is that they progressively got simpler, sillier, and generic-audience friendly turds. Considering that Stallone scripted all the movies, and directed ROCKY II through Part IV, I say hes to blame.

If anything, look at Stallone with the first ROCKY. Struggling would-be actor/writer with a voice fucked-up that traditionally wouldn't cut it in Hollywood...but he made it.

By the time of the bomb(financially, critically, and creatively) that was ROCKY V, Stallone was an super mega-egomaniac this side of Hulk Hogan. He needed to not only be humbled, but CRASH & BURN humbled.

Maybe thats why ROCKY BALBOA is actually a decent movie.