CALEB RAVES REVIEWS "CREED"

Director-Ryan Coogler

Last Looks

I heard a lot of good things about Creed so I decided to check this one out. Normally I do not like franchises after they get passed the third movie because production companies seem to sell out a good story in favor of just pocketing a quick buck. I have always been a big fan of the Rocky movies so I don't want to see anything that is going to ruin the memory of the previous films. Director Ryan Coogler and lead actor Michael B. Jordan both had tremendous success in Fruitville Station which I loved. So let's see if they can rekindle the magic in Creed or will this movie fall flat. 

Breakdown

Adonis Johnson, the illegitimate son of former legendary world heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed wants to start pursuing boxing professionally. Since Johnson never knew his father he does not want to get ahead by utilizing his Dad's name. Not getting anywhere in Los Angeles, Johnson moves to Philadelphia and seeks out Rocky Balboa his fathers former adversary and companion to become his trainer. Reluctantly Rocky agrees as a favor to his fallen friend and soon the two develop a father son relationship. Soon word breaks through the media that Johnson is in fact the son of Creed and a meeting is set up quickly between Johnson and now world heavyweight champion Ricky Conlan to sanction a match between the two because his name alone would deliver ratings and a huge payday. New to the game, Johnson is going to have to overcome every obstacle to fight and be victorious against the best boxer in the sport today.

Nose Candy

"You are your father's son you are a part of him but you don't have to be him"-Mary Anne Creed

"Time takes everybody out its undefeated"-Rocky Balboa

"One step one punch"-Rocky Balboa

"Im not training unless you get the treatment if you don't fight i wont fight" - Adonis Johnson

"Knock that son of a bitch down"-Rocky Balboa

Style Points

Adonis shadowboxing in the shadows of his father's youtube clips

The freeze frame of showcasing a boxer and his accomplishments did so much more then 

just saying them

When Adonis was first knocked out there is a nice sideways shot on the ground

I loved making the classic Philadelphia run more new school with kids following Johnson on four wheelers

Role Play

Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Johnson) Jordan is quickly becoming the "It Guy" for young african american actors. I think he has the potential to be a box office mainstay and  transcend barriers that make big movie companies reluctant to casts black actors as the face of a film. Johnson underwent an incredible physical transformation for his role as his performance was superb.

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa) I think getting Sly to do the movie was probably the biggest obstacle. Having him in this film brought so much legitimacy to this project and also speaks to how well the script was to make him want to do it and not tarnish the original Rocky legacy. Sly may never change his expression but his words cut skin deep and came through as always with epic one liners. Great job in a supporting role.

Tessa Thompson (Bianca)- I haven't seen much from her prior to this but I thought she held her own amongst such movie heavyweights. Thompson was great with giving Adonis more humility and making him vulnerable at moments when he needed it. Hopefully this will be a breakthrough role for her as I thought she was a great love interest.

Money Shot

The final fight was shot beautifully with creative elements such as Johnson walking to the wrong corner after taking a beating and the slow motion blood splatter. Then when Johnson was knocked down a montage of all of the things in his life that motivated him to get to this point. If the talk before the final round doesn't make you wanna get up beat the hell out of someone nothing will. I thought they did a great job of making Adonis look like the underdog with his eye swollen shut. Sly was great with his emotional tale about how he should have 

stopped the fight where Apollo Creed died and he needs to stop this fight to make up for it. Johnson countered miraculously letting him know that he wants to prove to himself that he was not a mistake. As the classic Rocky music hits you are end from one hell of a finish.

Random-How stunning does Phylicia Rashad still look? After all these years she still has a face like Claire Huxtable. Black don't crack!

Final Touch

Creed is a great film. Normally I don't like remakes or continuations of great franchises because they can never come close to the original however Creed did an exceptional job of honoring the past as well as creating their own lane for it's version to develop and be prosperous. I liked how they modernized the story by utilizing youtube and I cloud references. Also they had a nice crossover aspect by incorporating actual ESPN shows and anchors to make the fights seem more real as well as the characters. Creed is not just a boxing film there is a great story about a young man who is constantly trying to prove himself and his search for a father figure as well as his purpose. This film teaches how to overcome over any adversity that life seems to throw at you and stand up to your skeptics. There is drama and redemption that will have you rooting for the underdog to win.

SPOILER ALERT- Also the ending was perfect as Rocky and Adonis walk up the legendary Philadelphia steps. I thought using the old school camera was great to add a nostalgic effect to this scene as both characters seem to find a new outlook on life and a drive to always keep fighting.