The Best Film in the Rocky Franchise Since Rocky (1976)

Rating: 9/10 (3 March 2016)

Creed is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of the famous Apollo Creed. Adonis loves to fight, but feels that he's not good enough to take on the professionals. Upon coming to this conclusion, he quits his office job and moves to Philadelphia, seeking out the help of the former boxing champion, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), who has retired and now lives a peaceful life owning a small diner called "Adrian's."
To start, I personally think this is the best film in the Rocky franchise since the first Rocky (1976). Yes, 2 ,3, and even 4 were pretty good, but this film just packs a punch that brings Rocky Balboa and his life to this generation, basically doing what Rocky Balboa (2006) tried, but failed. Michael B. Jordan owns the role of Adonis Creed, and shows that his role in Fantastic Four (2015) was just a one time flunk. This movie was great.
Sly Stallone playing Rocky needs no words. Stallone doesn't play Rocky Balboa, he IS Rocky Balboa. He has appeared in other films, but he'll always be Rocky to me and most others. Tessa Thompson as Bianca, Adonis' love interest, is great. I hope to see her in any possible sequels, or any other film in general.
The choreography during the boxing scenes is also very noteworthy. Just like the first Rocky, it felt as if I were at the fight as it was going down. This also is due to the directing of the action. The directing is very clean, and there's not too many cuts. Many wide shots were used to encapsulate the entire ring, rather than just getting Adonis, or just his opponent. The audience feels involved in the fight, as if you're a fly in the boxing stadium.
The only problem I found in this film is a very small one, but it prevents this film from being perfect. The issue was the final fight, between Adonis and Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), the reigning champion. This fight, while well choreographed and acted, wasn't as intense as another fight that had taken place earlier in the film. The fight wasn't bad; far from it. However, it didn't enthrall me like I wanted it to.
Overall, Creed was an amazing film. I recommend it to anyone who likes the feeling of not being able to stop smiling after watching a movie. I'm going to give Creed an A, or a 9 out of 10.