7.5/10

Rating: 7/10 (17 January 2016)

I have never, ever been a fan of the Rocky franchise to being with, having only liked two of the movies (the first and the last). Neverthelees I was eager to watch "Creed" solely based on the fact that Coogler is probably the hottest director of the moment in Hollywood. Coming out I must say that the movie doesn't manage to shake off the sports movie formula and clichés, yet it does succeed in making a solid drama.
I think that 2015, more than any year in cinema, proved the power of the long take and tracking shot. I have seen so many films this year take advantage of this and actually use it to their advantage and I am so happy for this, being obsessed with the use of one takes. I think that when use for story reason they can support the drama immensely, give breathing space to the action and use the full power that cinema can provide. "Creed" is one of the the perfect examples for this, using it repeatedly, but never selfishly, and making some moments really shine.
Not being a fan of the franchise overall it is very simple for me to make out what works and what doesn't. The film does rely on a little too much nostalgia, especially in the start, it falls really deep into some unbearable clichés and some boxing movie formula that really made the whole direction where it was going fall apart, sometimes character is given up in favor of these very dramatic in your face moments that really didn't work. It also manages to stray away from some clichés but still it doesn't do too much to give a full original picture.
Fortunately the cast is just too good. The fights are just too visceral. They really pay off repeatedly and thanks too some heart felt character work I was never lost by the film. It was a pleasant experience, not a layered or complicated one, just a great flow that I would be happy to revisit occasionally.