Review: Creed

Pound for pound, punch for punch, 'Creed' is a knockout! With stellar performances by the whole cast, 'Creed' is an emotional powerhouse of a film that continues the Rocky legacy that we thought finished in 2006 with 'Rocky Balboa'. This time we have a new face entering the ring, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), an ambitious young man who is destined to be great like his father before him, Apollo Creed. Struggling to stay out of his father's shadow and trying to make a name for himself, Adonis ventures to Philadelphia in search of the great Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Adonis and Rocky face many new challenges together, physically and mentally, but side by side they will overcome them, together. One step. One punch. One round at a time. Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) in his sophomore effort has crafted an incredible film from start to finish. A film that will have you grinning from ear to ear, cheering, clapping, and shedding tears for the pure passion behind this project. Coogler stays true to the Rocky roots while also making this a very modern day boxing tale, the chemistry between Adonis and Rocky alone could back this up. Jordan and Stallone both did such a wonderful job together, their chemistry is impeccable and is one of the best friendships too grace the silver screen all year. It must be known and made aware to the public that Sylvester Stallone's performance as the iconic Rocky Balboa is so great that he deserves an Oscar nomination. I cannot stress enough how powerful, moving, and incredible his performance was, getting a nod at the Academy Award's this late in his career would make me so happy for Stallone. You can see the love he has for this character each time he's on screen, it's so intimate and taken care of, and I couldn't imagine anyone other than Stallone in the role. You don't just see Stallone, you see Rocky 'The Italian Stallion' Balboa. Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson was so good, that MBJ is sure to be more well known after this performance. It's the fact that Apollo Creed himself, Carl Weathers, gave the seal of approval not only for the film but for Jordan's performance as his son. Jordan, much like Coogler and Stallone understand how importance this saga is to many people, and the fact that they didn't disappoint, gives me high hopes for the future of this franchise. Before I end things here let me tell you how beautiful this film is shot inside of the ring. The first major boxing sequence is directed beautifully, I can't express that enough, it's engaging, thrilling, and you feel like you're in the ring yourself. The final matchup at the end of the film, is hands down one of the most exciting moments of the year and for sports films in general. The sheer passion, emotion, acting, and directing is all unraveled in that scene and it bodes well for a tear or so. 'Creed' is simply that amazing. In conclusion, 'Creed' is a masterful film with great performances, strong direction, and a more than worthy continuation of the Rocky legacy. Please Academy Award's I beg you too nominate Stallone, he really does deserve it. GO SEE THIS MOVIE! 'Creed' gets a 9.5/10