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It’s been nine years since Sylvester Stallone last stepped into the ring for his big comeback in Rocky Balboa. But while you may have thought that—with Stallone now pushing 70—the franchise was finally down for the count, the former heavyweight champ is back for another fight in Creed.
Creed introduces a new fighter to the Rocky franchise. Growing up, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) was always a fighter—but he didn’t know that fighting was in his blood until he was taken in by Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), the widow of his late father, boxer Apollo Creed.
With Mary Anne’s help and encouragement, Adonis gets an education and a good job in finance, but he can’t escape the call of the ring. So he moves to Philadelphia and asks his father’s old friend and rival, Rocky Balboa, to train him.
Creed is the kind of feel-good underdog story that will remind audiences why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place. It’s gritty and tense and hard-hitting, but it has a big heart, too.
Jordan makes a likable new lead. His Adonis is smart but stubborn, charming but relentless. He doesn’t have a larger-than-life personality, but that’s okay—because his passion and determination are enough to carry the character. And there’s just no point in trying to outshine the franchise’s star.
Stallone is the same old Rocky. As the film opens, he’s rather lost and alone, missing his best friend, Paulie, and the love of his life, Adrian. He’s still a likable guy; he’s just lost some of his spark. But the arrival of his old friend’s son (and his new role as reluctant trainer) gradually reignites his passion for the sport—and maybe even for life in general, too. And though he acts as the young fighter’s trainer, he comes off as a kind of lovable, crazy grandpa—old-school but easy-going, generally taking things in stride. It may be Jordan’s movie, but Stallone shines, tackling the drama of the story with ease.
And, of course, there’s the boxing. Though there are plenty of training scenes and a couple of fights along the way, it all leads up to one big fight against the current champ. As the fight gets closer, the tension builds. And the fight scenes are so intense that you’ll find yourself holding your breath until it’s over.
Creed is both dynamic and dramatic—and, once the last big fight comes to an end, you’ll feel like you’ve been through a workout, too. It’s a smart new step for the franchise—and worthwhile return to the ring for the Italian Stallion.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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