Was I the only one in the theater throwing jabs at the screen during the fight scenes? Creed propels Rocky fans to the next generation of fighters. We all remember Rocky from back in 1976. Rocky went from a small-time fighter to the heavyweight champion of the world. Well now it’s Adonis’ turn. Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed. This fact is a little murky in the beginning of the movie when we are first introduced to the younger Adonis fighting in the juvenile detention center. The story slowly pieces itself together, however, as the movie progresses.

A grown up Adonis also wants to be a fighter and tracks down Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in the City of Brotherly Love. Rocky is now running a restaurant lovingly called Adrien’s. He also visits Adrien and Paulie in the cemetery, but rarely hears from his own son. Adonis wants Rocky to be his trainer, but Rocky is “out of the game.” This story line will make you smile while reminiscing of when Rocky asked Mickey to be his own trainer. You know the initial answer is no, but you also know what the eventual answer will be.

Pros

Creed has a great cast. Phylicia Rashad plays Mary Ann Creed, who saves Adonis from the detention center.

Remember Rocky 6? Forget about it. Most Rocky fans are probably a little nervous about paying good money to see another Rocky movie after the disastrous Rocky 6. Trust me, big difference here.

I love that Rocky is allowed to be “old” in this movie, not terribly old, but definitely a gently, growing older Rocky. There is no dyed hair trying to be younger than he is; the grey looks good. Rocky doesn’t try to fight in Creed and the little bit of “sparring” he does leads us to another important story line.

The importance of family, not just being about blood runs strong throughout the movie.

Cons

Born after his father’s death? How does that work exactly? The illegitimate storyline is an important foundation for the movie. When you stop to think about it, Apollo was still married to his wife Mary Ann, but Adonis was born after his death. This means Apollo cheated on his wife sometime between Rocky 3 or 4. Don’t dwell on it, just accept the fact and move on otherwise you’ll miss a great movie.

Bianca (Tessa Thompson) is introduced as a love interest for Adonis. Bianca is an emerging soul-singer who is going deaf. The thought of a romance is a nice touch, but aside from the “ making the legs go weak before a fight” it doesn’t add much to the story.

This was a great movie, but after a while, I really just wanted them to get to the main event.

Overall, Creed was an excellent movie filled with compassion and power. Rocky fans may be a little afraid to give the franchise another chance, but I think they will be pleasantly surprised.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

Details:

Rated: PG-13 – Some offensive language, violence and some suggestive scenes (but nothing really showing.

Director: Ryan Coogler (A bit of trivia? He also directed Michael B. Jordan in the movie Fruitvale Station)

Run time: 2 hours 13 minutes

I paid for the movie ticket with my own funds and have not been compensated for this review.