Review of Creed (2015) by Axet — 28 Nov 2015

Like the new Bond, though okay overall and fairly well made, unfortunately this spinoff is tired formula. Though it has some nice touches story wise that play authentic and the developments are about as much as can be expected at this stage, the big problem is the lead actor/character has no personality. He's boring! What made "Rocky" the standout it was is the original one of a kind character that Sly created from what could have been a cliché. For that matter Carl Weathers/Apollo had ten times the personality his on screen son has here. And there is no new theme music to drive it as the original very famously had and Stallone wisely regularly updated throughout the series with hipper newer music. What an unbelievable oversight or just plain stupid choice. Even a new rap song could have sufficed, but instead the inexperienced director stays down for the count. You know there is a problem when you couldn't care less who wins the big fight. You have to give Sylvester credit for making each installment fresh and invigorating all the way through 6 movies. That's a bigger feat than most actor/auteurs take credit for for doing far less. Sadly, it's missing here showing his touch beyond acting is that special when it comes to this series.

How the other bouts match up in my ring: "Rocky" 10 "Rocky II" 9 "Rocky III" 9 "Rocky IV" 7 "Rocky V" 8 "Rocky Balboa" 10.