Rocky for a New Generation

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2016)

Creed tells the story of Apollo Creed's son Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) as he strives to make a name for himself in the world of boxing. Adonis Johnson, going by his mother's last name, seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in hopes that Balboa can train him in the ring and tell him more about his deceased father. In Creed, Michael B. Jordan once again collaborates with one of the great up-and-coming directors, Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station). Fueled by the impeccable performances from Jordan and Stallone and the gripping direction of Coogler, Creed is as much a moving drama as it is an exhilarating sports film; this exceptional combination makes for one the best films of the year and one of the greatest sports films of all time.
Creed's story of the veteran training the newcomer appears cliché at first glance, but as the two's relationship progresses, it feels anything but stereotypical. Adonis is not just a punk kid who wants to hit people for sport; he is a layered character. Adonis carries a lot of baggage with him, and he has his own personal issues that drive him towards becoming a great boxer. Rocky is an older version of the same guy everyone knows and loves, but Creed shows a side to him that's both unexpected and emotionally powerful. Rocky's past relationship with Apollo Creed contrasted with Adonis' attempt to distance himself from his father's name makes for an interesting dynamic between the two. Adonis needs Rocky, and Rocky needs Adonis.
Both these characters are brought to life by the outstanding performances from Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan. Jordan continues to impress me in every film he's in, and I believe Creed is his best performance yet. Jordan's emotional vulnerability in his role as Adonis, and his physical performance while in the ring, more than justifies a Best Actor Oscar nomination. Sylvester Stallone is equally great in his supporting role. There were some dramatic moments where his performance as Rocky really affected me emotionally, and this is a huge credit to his mature take on the aging character he created almost 40 years ago.
There are not many boxing matches throughout the film, which is more than fine. The dramatic parts work so well because of the great performances from Stallone and Jordan. That's not to say the boxing matches themselves aren't great; they are. Under Coogler's direction, every hit feels raw, brutal, and relentless. The action is fluid, and the choreography between the fighters is excellent. There's not an overuse of cuts, so the action is easy to follow. In fact, there's an entire boxing match done in one long take. Another element that adds to the boxing matches is the fact authentic HBO broadcasts and ESPN video clips are used throughout the film. This sounds insignificant, but these small details make this boxing world feel that much more real.
Creed even contains a compelling romantic relationship between Adonis and a musician named Bianca (played by Tessa Thompson). The two have great chemistry and feel natural together on screen. There's an element to their relationship that is both beautiful and devastating and results in a very memorable relationship (no spoilers). Creed's score is a combination of modern and classic music, and the score does a great job of generating excitement during the training montages.
This movie has it all: brutal and suspenseful boxing matches, a compelling romance and a tear-jerking and uplifting story. Creed is Rocky for a new generation, and I truly believe this film has something for everyone. Each and every one of Creed's 12 rounds are an absolute knockout.
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