The Rocky franchise is beloved by Sylvester Stallone fans, primarily the first four movies in the series. Stallone wrote and starred in the sports drama's first film, considered a culturally significant film. It was the highest-grossing film of 1976 and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, walking away with three wins. Each series installment had strengths and weaknesses, and Rocky III was considered another high point of the franchise. Rocky Balboa met many challenges in the storyline, facing multiple tough fighters, including Apollo Creed (father of Adonis Creed), James "Clubber" Lang, Captain Ivan Drago and Tommy "The Machine" Gunn. Each antagonist challenges Rocky in new ways, but one significant player in the franchise continuously stands in the way of Rocky's success: his friend and brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino.
Rocky Introduced Paulie's Abusive Tendencies
Paulie is initially introduced in Rocky as one of the protagonist's good friends. He's significant to the story because he's Rocky's only long-term friend and introduces the fighter to his sister. He convinces (and essentially bullies) Adrian to go on a date with Rocky, and the awkward pair quickly fall in love. Many have argued that Rocky is a love story more than a sports drama, and the first film in the franchise focused much more on Rocky's budding romance with Adrian than it does on fighting Creed. Unfortunately, Paulie isn't a good brother to Adrian, and it's prevalent not only in their first introduction when he forces her to go on a date but also later when he ruins Christmas and forces Adrian to move in with Rocky. He breaks down and cries after his alcoholic rage, but it sets the tone for how he continues to behave in the series.
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Rocky II Increased Paulie's Alcoholism
In Rocky II, the protagonist and Paulie help each other secure their old jobs. In addition, they work together to convince Adrian that getting back in the ring is the best thing for Rocky and their family. On the outside, it seems like they've come a long way, but Paulie continues to drink and cause problems for Rocky. He's envious of him and tears him apart, trying to fistfight over minor issues. Rocky brushes this aside since he loves Paulie and sees his alcoholism as a weird quirk, but it's incredibly damaging to their relationship. At this part of the series, their arguments are rather tame and still considered relatively common for their economic status and daily stressors. Still, it's only the beginning of Paulie's consistent rage against Rocky.
Rocky III Displayed Paulie's Jealousy
After Rocky defeated Creed at the end of Rocky II, the next film began with Paulie watching coverage of Rocky's win. A new player is on the field, Clubber, who is hellbent on destroying the champion. Rocky tries to retire again, and the audience sees how Paulie becomes increasingly jealous that Rocky has money and fame now. Instead of asking Rocky for a job like one usually would, he tries to challenge Rocky to a fight and tear him apart verbally while drunk. Although Paulie continuously starts fights with Rocky throughout the films, the protagonist still takes care of him and allows him to live in his house and benefit from his success. However, it never seems enough for Paulie, who repeatedly cuts him down emotionally.
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Rocky IV Momentarily Redeemed Paulie
Rocky IV represented a break for Paulie regarding intense hatred toward the protagonist. Throughout the film, he sabotages Rocky in small ways, but he's reserved compared to earlier films. Before Rocky is about to walk into the ring with Drago, he confesses to always wishing he was Rocky. He admits he's always been jealous and thinks poorly of himself, which is why he's always mistreating him. Rocky accepts the admission gracefully, but it's odd to say it before going out in the ring. Although Paulie had calmed down in this film, this added to his long history of being self-centered and projecting his insecurities onto Rocky.
Paulie Threw Away the Family's Fortune in Rocky V
All of Paulie's crimes up until this point could be forgiven since he's a victim of his circ*mstances. Rocky sympathizes with him, which symbolizes to the audience that they should do the same. But in Rocky V, he crosses a line that should be beyond redemption, and it's when he signs away Balboa's rights and assets. He hands it all to an accountant while Rocky is away, emptying their bank accounts and leaving them penniless. Although it's framed as an accident, that wouldn't seem to be the case with Paulie's history of hate, spite and envy targeted toward Rocky. Was it an accident? Or did he want Rocky to lose everything?
Throughout the franchise, Rocky faced many enemies who were straightforward in their mission to tear him down in one way or another. Rocky befriended many of his former enemies, showcasing his understanding. Paulie consistently took advantage of this, and he never truly redeemed himself besides one moment of admission to sabotage. Besides that, he consistently tore Rocky and Adrian down emotionally, which was why they'd lost everything they'd worked for until that point. Many people might not realize that Paulie was a consistent villain in the series.
