Good but recyclecd plot

Rating: 7/10 (8 January 2020)

Bottom Line up Front: This is a good coming of age story and a story which shows that anyone can achieve greatness provided they take responsibility for themselves. Additionally, they have have to work at it and not blame others for their failures. If you liked the Rocky movies, you are likely to enjoy this one.
While this film does use a similar plot to the original Rocky, there are some differences but the story is basically the same. The main difference deals with the reasons the two different fighters chose to fight. In Rocky, Balboa fights because he really can't do anything else. In this film, Adonis is driven to fight. While he was not born with a "silver spoon" he did have a predominately sheltered and good up bringing and did get a good education. He dose not need to box to earn a good living. He seems to be driven by something inside. Not sure what message this sends to people but to me, it may be the wrong message. I don't see the need to fight when you don't have to.
Anyway, the good parts of this film clearly show that everyone, young and old needs to be responsible for themselves. Fight the fights that need to be fought (physical, mental and medical alike). Avoid the ones that you don't need to engage. Both Adonis and Rocky come face to face with some of these issues.
I also did like the some of the similarities this film had with original Rocky. Especially with Rocky coming full circle in training Adonis. That was important to show.