Creed (2015)

From director Ryan Coogler ‘Creed’ tells the story of Adonis Creed, the son of world-renowned boxer Apollo Creed. Wanting to follow in his father’s footstep Adonis tracks down the retired Rocky Balboa, old friend of Apollo to make his name in the sport without living in his father’s shadow.

I had heard good things about ‘Creed’ and while I seemingly didn’t enjoy it as much as others, I found this film to be very good. It isn’t to me anything extraordinary but manages to be competent in everything it attempts to achieve. The cast are the stand-out element. Michael B. Jordan headline the cast as Adonis and is very impressive in his performance. The shear dedication to the character is evident in every line and never does he feel like he’s giving a performance. Physically, he is to be admired as well. The fight scenes (that are expertly choreographed) must have been incredible tasking. Jordan is (for the lack of a better word) ripped. After this performance, I’m looking forward to his career ahead. On the other end of the spectrum we have Sylvester Stallone playing an aged Rocky. I truly understand his win at the Golden Globes because despite his previous more campy roles, Stallone is perfect. He carries himself with an air of sadness that longs for the old days which makes his connection to Adonis all that more heart-wrenching as you can see that he sees himself in the prodigy. What ‘Creed’ manages to balance so well is the old and the new. It is a film about the past and the future and how both should be respected.

There isn’t much more to say. Tessa Thompson gives a great performance and has brilliant chemistry with Jordan. The culture of boxing is well explored with its dark side being highlighted just as much as it’s light. Cultural undertones like this make ‘Creed’ feel more than a film. It transcends fiction and feels real. Adonis is such a believable character, as is Rocky in his old age. I would greatly recommend this film even if I do have little to say about. Just know that I am now very hopeful about Coogler’s future in film.