A Great Turn for the Franchise.

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2016)

Creed (2015): Dir: Ryan Coogler / Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Andre Ward: Triumphant turn in the Rocky franchise. This film regards one's legacy. Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Johnson Creed who grew up in youth detention halls until he is taken in by the widow of the father who died in the ring before his birth. He was born out of an affair but legendary boxer Apollo Creed is his father. Adonis quits his job and, against his mother's wishes, moves out and seeks out his father's greatest opponent Rocky Balboa to train him. Reluctant Balboa finally caves but is met with health issues. Director Ryan Coogler of Fruitvale Station takes this franchise in a smart direction by concentrating on Apollo Creed's legacy. Jordan plays out the determination, anger, frustration, and ultimately the desire to win when he faces an undefeated opponent whose size exceeds his own. Sylvester Stallone as Rocky runs his restaurant tired of old fighting days but stands in the corner with new hope in his pupil. Tessa Thompson plays the romantic interest who is a musician with hearing loss and lives in Creed's building. Phylicia Rashad plays Apollo's widow who raises Adonis in hopes of steering him away from his father's fate. Andre Ward makes a good impression as Creed's domineering opponent in an electrifying boxing bout that holds up to any other in the franchise. This is an intelligent road to take with this franchise and it is presented with themes of hope and a strong desire to exceed even past a great legacy that one is tasked with comparison. Score: 10 / 10