Creed

Creed

Plot in a nutshell: Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) son of Apollo Creed (Michael Waters) from the Rocky films (1976-85) and is making his way into the ring on a personal journey of self affirmation and a little bit of beating down on those who get in his way. After making his way to Philadelphia, Creed seeks out the true champ Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to train him into a champ and it's not long before he gets the chance with a fight against world champion Ricky Conlan (Tony Belew).

My thoughts:. Of all the iconic film sagas from the past I have to say Rocky is one of my favourites. I've always enjoyed them both as standalone films or as part of a series, that was until Rocky Balboa (the film, not the character) came around. Balboa left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth as it really did feel like just another opportunity to squeeze some cash out of us all. I was worried this could be the same thing but I was happy to be proved wrong.

Michael B. Jordan has done a few films, but when I asked around if anyone knew who he was, nobody did. In case you don't know him, he's the one from That Awkward Moment (Zac Efron) or more recently he played Johnny Storm (the human torch) in Marvel's reboot of Fantastic Four. But then not many people saw that, and of those that did even fewer would give positive remarks about the latter. Personally I thought he was OK in Fantastic Four (though I preferred Chris Evans) but wasn't convinced about him in this role.

From the get go in this film you know Adonis is not someone who you are going to mess with and get away with. Jordan's portrayal of this angry young man hell-bent on showing the world just what he was capable of is one worthy of note and I'm sure he will go on to have a great career. I'm not suggesting it was Oscar worthy, but it was top drawer nonetheless. On the topic of Oscars though, Stallone could seriously be on the verge of one.

One of the best things about this film is how it wasn't just another Rocky film, not just dragging out a story that could have ended with Rocky IV, but a fresh new approach with a familiar face making you feel safe throughout. Sly has a smaller part in this film as Creed's trainer and even at 69 years young, still looks like he can take care of himself. His performance is very small, calm and almost understated at times. There are times in this film (and believe me it happens quite a few times) where I felt it was moving off topic a little bit, almost being too modern for a Rocky film but Sly is that warm blanket you curl up under to feel safe - You just know it'll be alright with him there.

Don't get me wrong this film does have its flaws. the way it hops from character to character at times can feel a little disjointed and when in one scene someone has been built up and referenced almost every other sentence they are forgotten about and never seen or heard from again. The biggest example of this is Mary Ann Creed, played by the wonderful Phylicia Rashad. Mary (known as Ma throughout by Adonis) was married to Apollo Creed at the time he had an affair with Adonis' mother but takes in Adonis after meeting him in one of many correctional facilities he has attended at a young age. We jump forward 17 years and the two are still living together and seemingly as close as any mother and son would be. Creed then ups and leaves and we see almost nothing of his mother before the final fight of the film. The fool said he would call. Why didn't we see this? Ok he left a voicemail but come on. Surely when things were getting bad a little pep talk from Ma would have helped the kid out? Well I think it would have anyway.

This film is not just a boxing film though. Films rarely are just on one point these days though are they. Behind the very prominent jaw line  of Michael B Jordan and Creed lies a very strong heart wrenching message. We are not long for this for world. We need to enjoy what we have whilst we can and to cherish those around us. Never forget those who have left too soon and if you ever get the chance, share your past in someone's present.

Verdict: This is a fairly decent film, nothing more and nothing less. I felt the ending was a little weak and the use of casual swearing at times a little irrelevant and seems to cheapen the film (yes I know I swear a lot). Will there be a sequel? Not sure. Stallone is getting on a bit and could there ever really be a film as part of the Rocky franchise without Rocky in it? I wouldn't like to see the day where that happens. If in time you see this film on TV or someone brings round a copy of it then yeah by all means stick it on but if you aren't an existing Rocky fan or keen to see a boxing movie then to be honest I wouldn't waste your time.

My rating: 6.5/10