I was moved AND inspired! Great Rocky Tribute.

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2015)

Growing up on the Rocky movies, this film really hits the mark. The set up and even the ending does feel like a "paint by the numbers" type of effort but it totally works. Where it really excels is the emotional connection felt and utilized during the heart of the film and meat of the story. A majority of the emotional impact stems from paying off what we already know about the character of Rocky Balboa but it feels earned and right in place with the current story arc. I was moved and I was inspired, which is EXACTLY what should happen when depicting the swan song of a legendary character. Rocky feels like family because we've taken this ride, his life's journey, with him on screen. So, fans will truly connect with this effort far more than those unfamiliar with Rocky. Make no mistake, this is Creed's movie but, for me, the film rose to the realm of extraordinary because of Rocky's continuing life struggles.
Overall, a wonderfully filmed and written movie that leaves things perfectly in place. I truly hope there are no sequels for Creed and that the line that ended the first Rocky actually comes in to play now. "There ain't gonna be no rematch. Don't want one."