Creed in Great Legacy

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2015)

Director and writer Ryan Coogler's "Creed" is awesome. More than a "sequel" of the "Rocky" movies, Coogler brilliantly reinvents the "Rocky" saga for the hip-hop and cyber versed generation. Coogler with his "Creed" is beholding to heart, love, and the journey of rediscovering our innate greatness—what made the original "Rocky" so special. Michael B. Jordan is powerful and gives a nova-like performance as Adonis ("Donnie), son of the late world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Coogler and Aaron Covington's screenplay wisely brings back Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, ironically serving as his mentor Mickey (Burgess Meredith) to young upstart Adonis. Stallone embraces the evolution of Rocky—he is amazing. The paradox does not escape us that Rocky's words come from Coogler and Covington, and Stallone generates touching gravitas and vulnerability — which may earn him a nomination for Supporting Actor.
One of the resonant themes is seeded as Adonis finds Rocky back in Philadelphia at his restaurant "Adrianne's" named after his late wife. He wants Rocky to train him as a boxer. Donnie, not yet revealing that he is Apollo's son, asks about his father, "So how did you beat him?" Rocky confesses, "Time takes everybody out. It's undefeated." Rocky is still haunted by Apollo's death in the ring, which he could have stopped. Eventually, Rocky mentors Adonis. "Creed" is an ode to legacy and those we love.
In 1998 Mary Anne Creed (strong and compassionate Phylicia Rashad) adopts the troubled teenage Adonis. He is her husband's son from another woman, born after Apollo's death. From orphan bounced from dozens of foster homes, suddenly Adonis is a Creed living in Los Angeles with wealth and privilege.
Now 2015, Adonis is fast rising financial manager, who club fights in Tijuana on the side. He is a self taught boxer with punching power and rage. He is a young man asking, "Who am I?" Adonis resigns from his job, and tells his 'Mom" (Rashad) that he wants to become a professional boxer. She tells Adonis how she suffered with Apollo's beating in the ring, and does not want him to follow the same path. Unable to find a gym outside his Mother's influence, Adonis moves to Philadelphia to find his father's best friend to train him—Rocky.
Rocky trains Adonis. Rocky has long since left the boxing game. He is all alone. Everyone he loved has passed or moved on. Donnie calls Rocky "Unc", when he eventually means Dad. Adonis finds balance as he falls in love with beautiful musician and singer Bianca (smart and spirited Tessa Thompson), who is also dealing with her own adversity. Jordan displays a gentle and playful side with Thompson. In a funny twist, Bianca outs Adonis for not telling her that his Uncle is Rocky Balboa.
As stories collide reigning Light Heavyweight Champion Ricky Conlan (real-life former champion Tony Bellew) has one more fight before serving a prison sentence. His anger costs him a fight with the top contender. Suddenly, he needs to find a legitimate sacrificial opponent. So would that be the son of Apollo Creed? Rocky gets a call and this is all too familiar. Also Adonis and Rocky poignantly deal with mortality. It is life. Time is undefeated.
The power of "Creed" sources from the bond and love of Donnie and Rocky. Jordan is authentic in every moment. He is as convincing throwing a left hook or confessing to Rocky what tortures his soul. Stallone is Rocky. He sees the best in people and inspires them to be great.
The boxing in "Creed" is amazing. Jordan looks awesome, and he is fighting actual world class boxers on screen. Coogler and cinematographer Maryse Alberti display one shot takes in the ring that are electrifying. Not only do you see the punches, you almost feel them.
"Creed" is about legacy and family. As Adonis and Rocky fight for each other we cheer for them and more importantly we cheer for ourselves. Rocky tells Adonis to fight for himself—not anyone else. "Creed" reminds us to discover the power within in one of the best movies of the year.