Review : Creed (2015)

Creed (2015) PG-13

2h 13m Runtime

 IMDB(7.8/109k) 
RT (94% Fresh)

Director: Ryan Coogler

Writers: Ryan Coogler (Screenplay), Arron Covington (Screenplay), Ryan Coogler (Story), and Sylvester Stallone (Characters)

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Writer/Director Ryan Coogler reunited with the star of his 2013 critically praised film Fruitvale Station and they made a great film. Creed is the story of Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, as he seeks purpose and fulfillment in his life through boxing, friendships, and relationships. I was skeptical going into another film in the Rocky series, but I am skeptical of most long series. I feel that at some point they lose their heart and become essentially parody of themselves. This film was not at all like that, but rather truly embodies Rocky with a new perspective. 



 

The direction is very crisp throughout this film. Coogler is becoming very comfortable in his role and it shows. He has amazing location shots, and the action direction is top notch. This is a film about boxing. It’s up close and brutal, and done beautifully. There is a four minute single shot boxing fight in this film and it is amazing. It is very rare to see single shot action scenes at all, let alone a boxing match. With that much action you would think that some of the punches would seem obviously missing, but the scene plays out with an immense tension and it seems brutal. The film overall was just beautiful to look at.

The screenplay is strong with natural dialogue and no over the top exposition. The speeches themselves even are underplayed, which works so well based on the man giving the speech. It was a thoroughly interesting film with realistic opponents and collaborators. It had great lines throughout it, but the writers trusted the actors to bring something to the film and really round out the characters. They were right to do so.

Michael B. Jordan and Sly Stallone were incredible in this film. There are several scenes where Stallone gave maybe his best performances ever. You could feel his passion, you could feel his loss. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role this year at the 2016 Academy Awards, becoming one of only six actors to be nominated twice for the same role. He was the Rocky he always was. He fit into his new role as coach so well I couldn’t resist smiling when he walked back into the gym. Michael B. Jordan should have had Matt Damon’s nomination for Best Actor Lead role in my opinion. He obviously extensively trained for this role. He doesn’t look like an actor in the ring with boxers, he looked like a boxer. He gives great range in his performance, and I think despite of Academy recognition, this film will only add to his portfolio of great performances. Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson were also very strong in this film and brought warmth that rounded it out.

Overall this film is an exciting sports film with a surprising amount of heart to it. It doesn’t seem hokey in its tone, but shows an interesting subsection of people: Philadelphia boxers, musicians and people. It is great film. Go see it.

4/5

Wait and see how many offers Michael B. Jordan starts picking up after this film, and Stallone is working on several films including a possible role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 . Director Steve Coogler has been tapped to direct the new Black Panther Marvel Comics film coming.

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