The Rocky legacy lives on “CREED”

Release Date: November 25, 2015

Running Time: 2 hours and12 minutes

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Rated PG-13

Grade B+

Starring:

Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed

Phylicia ​Rashad as Mary Anne Creed

Tony Belew as ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlon

Andre Ward as Danny Wheeler

Ritchie Coster as Pete Sporino

Gabe Rosado as Leo ‘The Lion’ Sporino

Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran as Stitch

Graham McTavish as Tommy Holiday

Tessa Thompson as Bianca

and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa

I’ve been fighting my whole life.  It’s not a choice for me.

Adonis Johnson was born after his father, Apollo Creed, was killed in the ring by Ivan Drago. His mother perished shortly after leaving Adonis to fight his way through the foster care system. Adonis was in juvenile detention when Mary Anne Creed offered to take him in and raise him as her own son. When he became an adult, Mary Anne urged him to pursue a career in the corporate world, but the desire to fight still burned in his heart. After an attempt to find a trainer in California, he moved to Philadelphia with hopes of being trained at Mickey’s Gym. The gym manager, Pete Sporino, declined to train him since he was busy training his own son. Meanwhile Ricky Conlon, current light heavyweight title holder, is being released from prison and looking for a fight that will boost his career. Adonis reaches out to Rocky Balboa and requests that he train him out of respect for his past friendship with Apollo. Rocky starts out slow with the training, but forms an unexpected bond with Adonis that grows over time. Conlon’s manager proposes that Adonis fight Conlon, but the catch is that the Creed name be used to enhance ticket sales. Even with The Italian Stallion in his corner, can Adonis fulfill his legacy?

This guy here is the toughest opponent that you’re even gonna face.

I think that’s true in the ring and I think that’s true in life.

The Rocky legacy lives on 40 years after the release of the legendary first film. The relatively, inexperienced director, Ryan Coogler, steps up to the challenge of entering the Rocky franchise ring. As the fictional son of one of America’s favorite fictional boxers, Michael B. Jordan rises to the occasion through what looks like sheer dedication to his role. Sylvester Stallone, at age 69, continues to dominate every scene he’s in with his iconic acting style and well-timed humor. Despite the fact that this is the first Rocky film to not have been written by Stallone, I am confident that his influence was felt during the creative process since there are so many nods to the previous films. The boxing scenes, filmed using an Arri Alexa camera, were masterfully executed to the point that the audience was cheering as if they were real boxing matches. The third composer, following in the footsteps of Bill Conti and Vince Dicola, does a great job of infusing the Rocky theme song into the modern music meant to appeal to this generation. Just like Rocky you can’t lose with this one so make a move into the theater to fly high with this spin-off!                      ~Movie Buffette

Creed is a sports drama being released on the fortieth anniversary of the date of the opening scene in Rocky.  Creed was filmed mostly in Liverpool, England and Rocky’s symbolic home of Philadelphia.  The audience that screened the film showed their appreciation with applause, laughter and whistles.  Michael B. Jordan did a fantastic job sharing the scenes with the legendary Sylvester Stallone.  Sly brings something so powerful to this role – he draws you into the story.  He captures you with his raw pain, perseverance and whit.  This is the seventh Rocky film and it has been updated to an extent for a modern, younger generation, but the true heart of the series remains.   There are a few scenes that are part of any secondary storyline that do not add any value to the film and if they were left out it would probably be a better film. Other than that, I really can’t find much to criticize.  Creed was written and directed Ryan Coogler, who deserves recognition for assembling an extraordinary cast and crew.   The boxing sequences were impressive.  The camera work was remarkable and made you feel like you were there watching it live.  I believe Creed does an outstanding job bringing together the original storyline with a new element that appeals to a younger generation, who I hope will take the time to watch the original Rocky if they have never done so. It captures your heart and gives you the courage to follow your own dreams.  This is a great film for the holiday season for mature teens and all adults. ~A.S. MacLeod