Review of Creed (2015) by Danny R — 26 Oct 2016

Ryan Coogier's wonderfully rousing new entry in the Rocky legacy. It tells the engrossing story of Adonis "Hollywood" Johnson the illegitimate son of the late great heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born.

Adonis is superbly played by Michael B. Jordan in a truly sensational performance that is filled with fire and conviction. Adonis is a gifted fighter in his own right and is making his way up the ranks while trying to face his father's legacy.

But Adonis is up against a tremendously dangerous champion fighter by the name Leo 'Pretty' Ricky Conlan, well-played by Tony Bellew for this upcoming match he seeks out his late father's best friend and opponent, the legendary former world heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Baloba as a mentor and trainer, played magnificently again by the scene-stealing Sylvester Stallone returning to his iconic signature role, his impressive surprisingly subtle performance here has already won him the National Board of Review Critic's Award, Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

What follows is a brilliant well-crafted motion picture of style and substance that exhilarates and has the audience rooting for the underdog, thanks to Coogier's masterful direction. The edge of your seat boxing sequences are fiercely intense and visceral.

Solid entertainment from beginning to end, and an exceptional crowd pleaser. Highly recommended.