After the decently received Rocky Balboa came and went in 2009, fans of the boxing series that began with a Best Picture Oscar for the first film probably thought the series was over. When Creed was announced as a spin-off of sorts a couple of years ago, anticipation was immediately high. The focus would shift from the fabled former Heavyweight Champion of the World to the son of the Rocky boxing foe-that-became-a-friend, Apollo Creed.
Then, it was announced that Fruitvale Station director and star, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, would reunite as helmer and portrayer of title character and we were more than hooked. The idea that Rocky would serve as a mentor/coach/trainer to the young Creed – named Adonis – was a brilliant way to tackle a new chapter in the film franchise’s history.
Upon seeing it, let’s just say that not only did it not disappoint, it is a film that pulls emotional punches like no other Rocky film since the original and inspires us anew to sing Gonna Fly Now.
Jordan’s Creed dreams of boing glory like his father. But, for him, it is something that wasn’t handed to him on a silver spoon. He was the product of an affair and after growing up in foster homes after his mom dies, he is found in a juvenile prison by Creed Sr.’s widow (Phylicia Rashad). She adopts him and begins his journey to greatness. Boxing is something that called him also, as he is self-taught and as we meet the adult Creed, he is 15-0 fighting in Tijuana, Mexico rings trying to make a name for himself… using his mother’s last name, Johnson.
Despite his adoptive mother’s advice, the young Creed walks away from a promising corporate job and heads to Philadelphia to look up his father’s old BFF, Rocky Balboa. He wants to be a boxing champion.
Coogler is co-screenwriter on this film as well and his solid gold handprints are on every frame of the picture and every emotional note of the story. It rings true. Creed never feels like a cash grab or any kind of effort to restart a franchise that seemed like it was long over. So much of that credit goes to the Fruitvale Station team of Coogler and Jordan. There is a natural rhythm between these two that manages to tell a story that is both powerful, riveting, emotive and utterly electric.
Jordan, after this past summer’s misstep Fantastic Four, is sublime. He brings levels of complexity to Adonis that not only makes him someone we cheer for in this movie, but is someone who we could follow should future Creeds be made. He is simultaneously a child of the streets who is as comfortable fighting for scraps as he is battling the expectations that he knows would accompany him should he use his real name in the ring. Creed is also a terrific addition to Rocky’s life and brings him a ray of light when he most needs it. There is a father-son relationship there between Stallone and Jordan that is completely priceless and resonant.
And Stallone, dare we say Oscar nominee. The buzz has started for the veteran star and believe the hype. The actor (and producer of this Rocky installment) turns in the performance of his career. He is sensitive, vulnerable and provides a heart to the Balboa character that is even deeper and more compelling than we’ve seen before. Yes, that’s possible.
Creed may be the surprise powder keg of awesomeness this holiday season. It builds and builds until its crowd cheering inducing final moments.
Who knew that a film series that is producing its seventh movie would release its second best flick so many years after the original? Consider us knocked out. .
Grade: B+