back to the beginning

Rating: 8/10 (7 June 2016)

Adonis 'Donnie' Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is the illegitimate son of boxing champ Apollo Creed. He was born after his father's death in the ring and spent his childhood in juvenile detention until rescued by Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad). He fights in Mexico and quits his office job in favor of boxing. Mary opposes it and he's prevented from training. He seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Philly to train him. He falls for downstairs neighbor Bianca (Tessa Thompson). Champ 'Pretty' Ricky Conlan injures his opponent during a media event and takes on the newcomer for the money.
This is going back to the original. Adonis is the new Rocky. He's got the inner fire. He's got the sweet romance. I am glad that Rocky finally puts up his gloves for good. This gets back to its roots with a well-written story and compelling characters. There is a big fight midway in the movie that is one continuous shot. It reminds the audience of how new the original was with its fighting sequences. The sequence is a master work and beautiful to behold. This is a good rejuvenation and a new jolt to an old franchise.