Sometimes the same formula, with a few tweaks, works out just fine. In fact, Creed is the perfect first step to further the Rocky franchise. More than anything, not disregarding the great directing and performances from the actors, the story is what captures the audience’s attention. And if you’ve watched the first six Rocky films, you might argue this is the best representation of the franchise.
The director, Ryan Coogler, did a solid job in and outside the ring. He was so impressive, Marvel has signed him on to direct their new film Black Panther. Coogler’s approach to Creed was a more realistic take in the world of Rocky. No real cheese-factor to find here. With that said, the focus was on the chemistry between the former boxing legend, Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed. No real surprise that the up-and-coming star Michael B Jordan portrayed the young boxer to the “t”. Even more impressive, believe it or not, is Sylvester Stallone himself. How good was he? Enough to toss his name in the ring of nominees for a major award. Now, we can’t go as far as to say he’ll got nominated for an Oscar. But who knows? We’ll have to wait later into the month to find that out.
Adonis Johnson (Jordan) is a troubled youth who never got to know his father, the former boxing champion Apollo Creed from the first Rocky films. Jordan’s resolve, and his tamed anger is something to note in the latter stages of life. We’re talking about a character who has never met his dead father, but boxing is coursing through his veins. In the process, he seeks out Rocky (Stallone) and asks him to train him for battles to come. Naturally, Rocky sees a lot of Apollo in the young contender and reluctantly takes him in, trains him and helps earn a title shot.
This is where the film differs from Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Creed, surprisingly, has a more believable drive and ambition seen through the Adonis character. While most would argue the trailer to Southpaw gave away the entire film, the story is what really creates the divide. There’s plenty of redemption plots in the world of sports films, but not too many can give the lead character a pathway to grow and prove himself. Adonis isn’t technically seen as an overnight success, he’s seen as a son trying to escape his father’s titanic shadow. He wants to live up to the name of Creed, and this the process make a name from himself. Adonis is there to show the world his worth, and that he’s worth every ounce. Add boxer-turn-mentor, Stallone’s fantastic performance, and you’ve got yourself a winning one-two punch.
Warning: Sly Stallone may just make you discretely shed a tear or two. Here’s to hoping he gets a nod at a nomination from the Academy.
