Review of Creed (2015) by Darkly_Tranquil — 07 Jan 2016

Although nominally part of the Rocky saga, Creed is very much it's own beast. While it deftly acknowledges the previous films, it is unequivocally Adonis Creed's story and Rocky Balboa is a supporting character. Fortunately, this means that a detailed knowledge of the previous Rocky films is not necessary and the film can easily be enjoyed on its own merits.

The story rests firmly on the relationship between Michael B. Jordan's eager, ambitious Adonis Creed and Sylvester Stallone's Rocky, and the chemistry between the actors is the films greatest strength; Creed is a young man in need of a mentor and father figure, while Rocky is a lonely, ageing man in need of a purpose, and it is the evolution of their relationship that forms the emotional heart of the film. Both actors perform strongly, with Stallone's turn as the ageing, directionless former champion of particular note (surely Oscar nomination worthy).

There are some extremely well shot fight sequences, particularly the one take boxing match, and the way it reinterprets classic sequences is very enjoyable for those familiar with the originals.

Overall, Creed is a thoughtfully made, skilfully acted, and highly enjoyable film that ends up being much more than simply a "boxing movie".