Creed (2015) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Protege boxer Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is on a mission to prove his abilities in the ring. Being the son of legendary heavyweight boxer Apollo Creed, Adonis also has a legacy to uphold. Adonis seeks out Apollo’s former friend and rival, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), to refine his skills.

Review:

Rocky is one of, if not the most influential boxing film series of all time, capturing the hearts of many fans.

Its success is thanks to Sylvester Stallone’s underdog heart as Rocky Balboa. As a result of that, the franchise continues to have an impact to this day.

Director Ryan Coogler’s task was to create a new legacy while honoring the series’ roots.

This is a task he achieves, more often than not. He sets a new path for B. Jordan’s Adonis and makes Stallone the film’s heart.

From the film’s outset, Adonis Johnson, Apollo Creed’s legitimate son, makes his appearance.

At first, Adonis is impatient, brought on by the weight of his father’s legacy. These are qualities Michael B. Jordan demonstrates well.

By the film’s conclusion, he becomes a character worthy of carrying on a legacy of his own.

Making her debut in this universe is Tessa Thompson as Bianca, an aspiring singer.

Thompson’s interactions with B. Jordan’s Adonis are natural. This is despite their romantic connection feeling rushed in comparison.

Creed also makes a return to Rocky Balboa’s hometown of Philadelphia. As a result, the film gives fans several callbacks to previous entries.

This film’s visual style displays these locals well. With its visuals, the film demonstrates how familiar, yet different, the city has become.

Given the location, Stallone’s Balboa makes his eventual return. Rocky acts as Adonis Johnson's trainer.

Bringing back an old character into a legacy series can be difficult. This is because it can, on occasion, tarnish their legacy.

What’s fortunate is that Sly brings his usual underdog nature as Rocky. He also never forgets his character’s importance to fans.

Together, both Stallone and Michael develop each other’s characters well. As a result, there are some good moments between the two.

Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis also has a final threat to face in the form of “Pretty” Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew).

Given his small number of scenes, Tony presents another challenge for Creed to surpass.

Conlan and Creed’s final confrontation is both well-shot and impactful. This is despite Conlan's lack of development.

Conclusion:

Creed is a good continuation of the previous Rocky franchise. It also forges its path forward in the process.

One of Creed's weaker elements is Bianca’s rushed romantic connection with Adonis. Despite this, Michael and Tessa’s interactions are still good.

Tony Bellew’s Ricky Conlan proves a worthy opponent for Adonis, as their final fight proves.

There should have been more time focused on presenting Conlan as more than a final boss-type opponent.

Stallone’s Rocky provides much of Creed’s heart, which long-time fans will appreciate.

Sly does well as a mentor figure and continues to prove why fans care about him and his legacy.

As a whole, Creed has some characters or interactions that seem rushed or lack focus.

Despite this, it is a solid foundation for the series going forward.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7.5/10

Story - 7.5/10

Action - 7.5/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 7.3 out of 10