Rocky's Golden Years

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2015)

Who would have thought seven sequels and nearly forty years after the original, we would have a film that rocks as much as the original? What is truly amazing is how much fun, how uplifting, and how good "Creed" is. We have Michael B. Jordan proving that he wasn't a one-hit wonder in "Fruitvale Station", and he makes quite a comeback from the much maligned "Fantastic 4" to a fabulous tribute to "Rocky", which is an overall winning project, with the support of its original star, in a performance that might take him back his bookend Academy Award.
"Creed" brings Rocky and his protégé, Adonis Creed to a climatic fight in London, putting together a series of events that gives us background on who these people are, where they come from, and what a special relationship they have. It's a rocky road for all of the people involved, as the young Creed is fighting emotional trauma, as he is trying to discover who he really is, but he has problems with the ghosts of his past. We have Rocky, who has now settled down as a widower and runs a restaurant, trying to live in almost complete isolation from his past.
There are many touching moments in the film, and most of them involve Stallone who shows incredible range here, as a man who carries with him a legacy, is now in the last years of his life and who misses the best things in his life, as both members of his family have gone away. There are plenty of references to the original inspiration for this film, but it doesn't dwell on it. There is a new star here, as Apollo finds his footing, develops new relationships and evolves into a new boxing star.
Many of the fighters have a problem, involving short tempers, and this has proved to be the downfall of many, not being able to discipline themselves by focusing entirely on the task ahead. This is where Rocky shines, as the voice of experience, giving Adonis tips and sage advice. It is both professional and personal, and it rings with much sincerity, never becoming a maudlin joke.
The film is full of exciting set pieces, and no one is going to be disappointing by the spectacular boxing match in the end, which is a work of art that shows the potential dangers of the spot, the beauty of film editing and that proves one can demonstrate how complex the sport is, without resorting to fancy camera work and excessive use of foul language. Here the kids are not hoods and not everyone gives in to violence. People have difficult problems to overcome, and it's not certain if they will always succeed, but it shows the determination of the human spirit, and it surely delivers a true winner and a wonderful crowd pleaser.