By Cynthia Ayala

Adonis Creed wants to make a name for himself. Quitting his job, he leaves Hollywood, CA and travels to Philadelphia in the hopes of tracking down Rocky, hoping he will train in. Drawn in by Adonis’ determination and strength the two team up, train, and face off against a champion who has nothing left to lose.

Starring Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan, Creed is the film that rightfully closes the door on the legacy (if that’s even possible) while it passes on the torch for future generations.

With a franchise that has built up such a legacy, it’s a tough torch to hold a candle to. The series is about boxing of all things and Stallone was able to create an amazing film to launch the franchise, so the struggle is recapturing that spark. Ryan Coogler was able to do just that. Coogler understood the Rocky films, he understood the struggles that the characters faced and understood the strength and determination behind them. So what he did was tap into that determination and that strength and wove a new story, all about passing on the torch. Creed is about Apollo’s son, who never had the chance to know his dad who died in back in Rocky IV in a fight against Russian boxer Ivan Drago, played Dolph Lundgren. Therefore, Creed, never knowing his father is trying to get to know him while also building up his own legacy has decided to take on boxing. And who better to train him than Rocky right?

That is the premise of the film, and it was a great one because it connects to the past but also motivates the cast to look to the future, and it is a great film about looking ahead, not behind. That is what makes the film fresh, because it’s not some rehash of something that has been done before. Some elements might be the same, but the story is unique all on its own and honors the franchise while passing on the torch and that was beautiful. Another beautiful moment in the film is the family unit in the film. Creed has found a father figure in Rocky and Rocky has found a son who is willing to connect with him and share his love of boxing. It is emotional, believable and wonderfully put together; their dynamics with one another are truly amazing.

Creed has an incredibly strong story at its core and the characters build it. Not only that, but the actors were incredible in how they tapping into who the characters were and breathed life into them. They are all so amazing to watch. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone are an amazing team and without them, this movie would not have been able to shine as much as it did. It simply would not have been possible. Their performances were down right amazing. From their dynamics with one another, to the way they build up the family dynamics and the emotions, they were an unbeatable team.

What’s more is the fact that it is not a wishy-washy story. Does everything end with this grandiose glorified ending? No, and that’s the charm because it makes it believable and gives it more credibility and more ground with which appreciated. Creed is strong, it is believable and has an amazing cast to raise it to its highest potential.

This is the perfect film that can either end the franchise or continue it with a new name. (★★★★ |A)

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— Film Credits—

Directed by Ryan Coogler

Screenplay by Ryan Coogler & Aaron Covington

Story by Ryan Coogler

Based on Characters by Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashād & Tony Bellew

Genre | Length | Rating: Sport, Drama | 2 HR 13 MIN | PG-13

Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures & Warner Bros. Pictures