Almost good as the first "Rocky" if not at least to it's level

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2016)

This is a film that really beat my expectations, it really is a heartfelt film about the bond between the master and his student. This formula has been done before, but it's execution in this is what makes this one stand out from the rest. It's like the "Karate Kid" for the 2010's. So when it comes to the plot, Rocky Balboa is now really old and feels that he is now washed up and just doesn't have any use anymore. All his main loved ones are gone and he has nothing really left to fight for. Something a lot of old retired people feel at that age. While also dealing with his own mortality and his longing for deep human connection. Than there comes Adonis "Donnie" Johnson Creed or Creed Jr (Michael B. Jordan). Who after some thought takes under his wings. Now Creed Jr. has his own demons and insecurities he is dealing with. One of the main thing is the fact that he is a foster child and he also feels that he is living in his father's shadow. While people claim he is just riding on the fame of his father. Some fighters fight for money and to meet ends meet, some to put for their kids education and to put a roof over their heads. However for Creed Jr's case he has enough money because of inheritance, but still wants to fight and become the best at it. Because fighting is just in his blood. Michael B. Jordan who plays Creed Jr. in this was really good and is a likable and relatable character because of his flaws. Even though he reminded me of a similar character he played in "Fruitvale Station" except he picked up boxing this time around. Now when it comes to Rocky Balboa he is not some Steven Seagal that tries to gain the world's attention by riding the wings of young and up and coming youngsters. He actually cares about his fighter more than himself. And wants to see Creed Jr succeed and to make a legacy for himself and to fight through his insecurities. Now that to me is a true hero, a hero to me is someone that doesn't try to drag others down because of their own insecurities. Or try to use and manipulate others for their own gain or their own comfort so they can feel better about themselves. A hero is someone that drives others to spread their wings and fly to bring out their full potential with love. Creed Jr's girlfriend who is this underground singer isn't just wise but she has the wits to know what is going on for the most part. She sort of reminded me of Vesper from "Casino Royale" except more street. She is however isn't keen on giving people chances all that much, probably from being burned one to many times in the past. So in this she lacks empathy and trying to understand it from the other sides point of view, which is a big aspect when it comes to wisdom. But sometimes getting burnt can teach you and help you grow in the process, but it can also lead to not being able to trust people as easily. So it goes hand in hand. So I thought her character was actually really believable, not a fan of her music though. Sometimes the female lead role doesn't really play much into the core of the story, but her character is one of the core characters that opens up the inner thoughts, heart and drive of the male lead in this. The emotions and the drive to the human heart in this is impactful without it being pretentious or forced. I just thought this was going to be a cash in, a simple mentor/coach to a student kind of deal movie from the first teaser. And just thought they should have ended it with "Rocky Balboa". It's a good thing I was wrong. The bond between the Rocky and Creed Jr. really has heart and a deep connection going for it and not just through boxing either, although that is the main part of it. No one wants to watch a hero deteriorate, but it also shows the natural of life. That the people you look up to on earth will not be here someday. It's kind of like watching Batman getting Robin to take his place when he is done, but Batman or Bruce Wayne is irreplaceable. Still a "Robin" movie can be really good if done right and that is the case with "Creed". It's a film that is executed superbly. Even the training montage pumped me up, it was exhilarating and emotional because of the distance and direction of Creed Jr. and what he is fighting for while seeing eye to eye with Rocky Balboa (No he does not hit hanging pieces of meat in this). This is a great boxing movie that beats the crap out of "Southpaw" and I am super glad it wasn't another "Rocky 5. I personally think it's not as good as "Million Dollar Baby" but it's still a exceptional film. There is two main boxing scenes in this, minus the amateur boxing and sparring. And it's still engaging from start to finish and that is a accomplishment. There is one single take boxing sequence that probably took a lot of planning, practice and many retakes to do.
*Interesting fact* they actually used real topnotch boxers to play some big roles in this.
8.8/10