Review: ‘Creed’ is a great ‘Rocky’ movie while also being a great ‘Creed’ movie too

Posted on December 11, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

My dad was a fan of boxing, but the sport never really drew me in as a fan. Maybe that’s why although I love movies, the “Rocky” films have never been ones I’ve particularly sought out to watch. And it is now that I have to admit I’ve only ever seen the first “Rocky.”

Well, until now that is, since I went to see “Creed,” which manages to play homage to the original film while also developing its own story and characters. This is the first film in the series not written by Slyvester Stallone. Instead, we have writer/director Ryan Coogler, who made a name for himself with the critically-loved “Fruitvale Station.”

Here he reunites with his star from that film, Michael B. Jordan (“Chronicle”), who plays Adonis Johnson, the illegimate son of Rocky’s late rival turned friend, Apollo Creed. But despite the fact that Rocky’s name isn’t in the title, he still has a pivotal role to play and the film is just as interested in telling the next chapter in his story as it is telling the first chapter of Adonis’.

“Creed” features two excellent performances from Jordan and Stallone–who is the best I’ve seen him in years–but what really sets this film apart is the directing and cinematography. Despite much of the film focusing on two guys beating on each other, this is a beautiful film in the way it is shot and composed. “Creed” was a surprise for me, and could very easily find itself on my Top 10 list for 2015.

The film is rated PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality.

(This is a abbreviated version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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