Creed is a Champ.

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2015)

Welcome back Rocky! I have missed you, or at least a 'Rocky' film worth watching. Not since the Italian Stallion's second outing has Rocky Balboa been so believable and authentic. 'Creed' quickly circulated around my eardrums with whispers of an intending release and my first thought was, "oh no, not another one". How far can this story stretch? How much more can Sly honestly show us? It was all becoming a little tiresome as we watched Rocky fumble his way through sequel after diabolical sequel so Stallone could relive past glories and have one more moment in the sun. If there was ever going to be another film in this franchise, Sylvester Stallone was going to have to take a back seat and pass the baton on to someone else so as Rocky could take a fresh direction.
'Creed' has demonstrated the importance of allowing others the chance to inject new and innovating ideas into a much loved character. The very impressive Ryan Cooglar is the young Director given the important role of reinvigorating a franchise that had been on life support. He has been wise enough to continue with a simple formulaic story knowing that there is only so much a film like this can achieve. He fits a solid narrative perfectly in its boundaries but with enough room for the story too find an emotion edge and performances from talent that is well above par. Aaron Covington's screenplay provides well balanced dialogue superbly performed by the characters that matter.
Michael B. Jordan plays the title role (Creed), Adonis Johnson, who just happens to be the illegitimate son of Rocky's great rival, Apollo Creed. Johnson is a young man that holds a hidden rage and resentment that he can no longer ignore. He is tormented by his famous fathers legacy and seeks out the one man that can train him to fight for the world championship, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Balboa's initial reluctance does not dampen the young Johnson's desire and it isn't long before Rocky is drawn to the son of his great friend. Johnson has the fight of his life become a reality when a deal is made for him to fight the undefeated champion, 'Pretty' Ricky Conlon (Tony Bellew). Adonis is soon humbled by Rocky's untimely illness that threatens to derail any genuine chance that the young challenger might of had.
Jordan is the perfect choice as Adonis Johnson. His presence is hard to dislike and gives an easy, natural performance in front of the camera that will see his star quickly rise. Jordan's chemistry with Stallone was always going to make or break the outcome of this film but both actors look comfortable moving around each other as if they had been making movies together for decades. This is Stallone's best performance of his career and just might the tough guy an 'Oscar' for his trouble. Yes it is that good. With a script that demanded a quality showing, Sly gives his heart and soul to a performance that oozed character and filled the cinema with emotion. Rocky looked comfortable taking a step back from the young Adonis confirming that it was the right decision by Stallone to just melt into his signature character without the burden of writing and directing.
Tessa Thompson plays Adonis Johnson's love interest, Bianca, and her presence doesn't get in the way of the solid story. Bianca provides a calm voice of reason to a youthful boxer that is boiling under the surface.
What we have here is a very good film that can be considered in the same league as the original. With a beautifully shot background of modern day Philadelphia, 'Creed' gives the chance for a new generation to experience the iconic Rocky legend and the motivating themes about rising up to meet the challenge of our greatest rival.....ourselves. Career best performances by Jordan and Stallone adds charm to a film that provides many satisfying moments.