tension of standing toe-to-toe with a man who wants to see you hit the ground is second to none. What stood out the most, however, was his writing of Rocky Balboa. The subtle nuances that we love about the Italian Stallion are effortlessly worked into the script and flow like water from Sly's crooked mouth. Speaking of, the script would be for naught if it weren't for the beautiful performances by Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. I'm not ashamed to say I was brought to tears at various parts of this film. I'm just so happy to say that this film wasn't a disappointment. This film exceeded my wildest hopes of a 7th Rocky installment and had me feeling amped up for hours after the credits rolled. I can't wait to see more from the talent involved in this film, and I proudly endorse and recommend Creed to Rocky fans and film fans alike.

film pays a great amount of respect to the Rocky films while at the same time carving out it's own place in boxing film history. Honestly I have no idea how accessible this film would be to someone who's never seen a Rocky film, but I think the way the story flows it wouldn't be too much of an issue. Again, highly recommended.

really identify with the statement, I believed I knew what he was saying and where he was going and eagerly awaited seeing the film.I experienced this first had today. No, I haven't seen The Force Awakens, but I did see Creed. It amazed me how many people I talked to over the past few months were unaware of this reinvention of the Rocky franchise. No question the series came off the tracks after Rockey IV, The War. However, this is the first movie in the series to not be written by Sylvester Stallone and although you know the character, you don't know the man, at least not yet. By the third act, I found myself crying uncontrollably; literally vision blurry from the emotional flood. The story was stirring and flawless, the drama, conflict and tone were far beyond real. This isn't the Rocky, or the struggle you remember. I challenge you to see this film and not be moved and that goes for men or women and franchise fans or not.Imagine Michael Keaton in the Batman Begins role. That's what this film did. They took a familiar face and name and moved it into a rough rugged and raw, realistic world. This is the second film from Oakland native Ryan Coogler. His first film Fruitvale Station was a sobering tales based on an actual event that produced L.A. Riot destruction in the Bay Area. This up and coming writer and director is Oakland born and raised and his urban city upbringing casts a light on the film that makes you understand the journey in a way that pulls at your heart.Visually the film is staggering, light, texture and motion all draw you in. Ironically the fight music from the Rocky franchise is called, "Alone in the Ring" at least twice I was drawn into this film deeply that I would have swore I was in Creed's corner if not in the ring myself. The soundtrack, although rap will motivate you. The lyrics may escape you, but the beats and fluidity and actually match the pace of your film and much like the thump of "We Will Rock You" your pulse and breathing will start to match the pace of the film. The acting is so strong, you won't miss "Yo Adrian" and you will remember that Stallone is an Academy Award Winner and that much of Hollywood thought that the director and star of this film should have got Oscars for their collaboration on Fruitvale Station.By the movies end I was on such a euphoric state that I was fully prepared to leave my car and the theater and do a little road work and run home. Now, I wasn't alone, so leaving my car wasn't an option and certainly a block into this legendary run I would have realized that I'm a heavyweight in size alone and no longer a competitive athlete out of breath, would have walked back to my car with a Slurpee and fast food burger in hand.Now, how often will a grown man admit to crying when it has nothing to do with the size of Kim K's ass. I can tell you this, fella's. There is The Godfather, Scarface and Creed. The movie is just that Gangsta.I fully expect a nomination and win for this film. It's hands down top 10 in my book and the 1st movie to make me cry since E.T. re-boarded the mothership. Both this film and Straight out of Compton are strong arguments for Black Cinema and although race is not the issue here, we all have a story to tell and if it's only told from one perspective, you are missing out on details that may shape your belief, but then again, that might be "The Mans" fear.I am moved, my soul is refreshed and I'm rejuvenated by the notion that great storytelling still exists. Rocky was the original story of the underdog, and this retelling of his tale is overdue.A bit of trivia, the original Rocky was released 40 years ago to the date of this release and Sylvester Stallone is the same age as Burgess Meredith at the time of that release. Full Circle!

no- holds-barred sports drama, this is every bit an exceptional crowd pleaser with a lot of heart, plenty of amusing jabs to the ribs, and an unexpected but emotional haymaker to the gut. And a lot more.Co-written by director Ryan Coogler, there's no doubt that Creed is a passionate love letter to the first film, which in itself is a poetic love story about fighting the good fight. Although boxing is the central theme, and often frowned upon as a brutal blood-sport that causes serious injuries, it's never been about the fight but more about what you are fighting for. Coogler gets this spot-on when we are introduced to teenager Adonis Johnson in juvenile detention. We soon learn that Adonis is the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, born shortly after the latter's death in Rocky IV. Appolo's widow Mary Ann Phylicia Rashad rescues young Adonis from what is certain to be a life on the streets and raises him as her own in the plush Creed estate in Los Angeles. Cut to present day and Adonis Michael B. Jordan is a corporate executive half way up the ladder. It's a stark contrast to Stallone's blue collar stiff in the first film, but this is where both films converge. Like Rocky, Adonis calling himself Donnie knows he is destined for something else, so heads to Philadelphia to meet his late father's rival turned best friend.The meeting with Rocky is one of several great moments in the film while also serving as a nostalgic homecoming occasion for every fan of the franchise. It's a fascinating intersection of the past but none better than the fact that in many ways, Creed is an inverted mirror image of Rocky. And before sending this film off on its own pulsating trajectory, Coogler reveals a full hand of spades. One of which is the legacy Rocky bestows on Donnie, and in essence, Stallone handing over the franchise baton to Jordan. We may not realize this at first and that's because we are already smitten by the father-son relationship developing between Donnie and Rocky. Their character study is the most significant aspect of this film. Donnie has always been an orphan and the reason why he never took on his father's name is an emotional revelation. Who he is and why he wants to become a professional boxer is his darkest secret.Both equally emotive and with comic interruptions, Jordan and Stallone deliver impressive performances. Stallone in particular gives what has to be his career best performance since Copland, and if this is his franchise swan song owing to a devastating but befitting plot device that's all the more reason why this film must be seen. But as they say, the show must go on and Jordan is more than capable of shouldering future films under the Creed banner. And with the inclusion of Philly local Bianca Tessa Thompson , Donnie's neighbor and love interest, future sequels look to be set in Rocky's beloved hometown.Onto the production quality and it suffices to say that Creed has THE best technical aspects in the franchise, including spectacular fight choreography, astounding cinematography in the ring and around Philadelphia, and an upbeat hip-hop soundtrack fused with the original score from previous films. The only real letdown comes from Donnie's main opponent Real life professional boxer Tony Bellew who isn't as antagonistic as you would expect, given the villainous ferocity from Clubber Lang Rocky III and the evil Ivan Drago Rocky IV . But that's a minor blemish to an overall outstanding film made with grit, substance and style. At its best, Creed is a very intimate film for fans and newcomers and an undisputed knockout for 2015.

is "a fighter." The film remains an exhilarating journey with this character, who is easy to connect with. As the film progresses, Coogler mixes old techniques like the famous Rocky slow motion sequences, with newer less used techniques like very intimate fight sequences, where the camera helps the viewer feel like they're standing in the ring. The film will draw you in from the moment it starts, to the moment it ends.One reason the film is so exhilarating is the terrific acting of Michael B. Jordan, who leads this journey. Once again teaming up with director Ryan Coogler Jordan anchors the film, and in the process creates a relatable, and human main character. On this note, after seeing "Creed" and "Fruitvale Station" I would be willing to make the bold statement that I think Ryan Coogler is on his way to becoming the next Scorsese. All of this being said what may be even more satisfying is seeing Sylvester Stallone return to form as Rocky Balboa.Some may criticize the movie for not bringing a lot of original plot lines to the movie, they would be right. However, while not very original the film handles these plot lines from a different perspective. No longer are we watching the nobody rising up against the odds, now we see a man trying to get out of the larger than life shadows of a man he never knew. Those who love the Rocky films recognize the slow motion moments in almost every film, and the iconic way the boxing matches were choreographed. Creed departs from the overuse of slow motion and more adapts the fight choreography of Raging Bull, while still mixing the essence of the Rocky fight scenes. The way Coogler mixes old with new in many different ways helps make the whole film feel like the story it's telling. Coogler captures the tone of the older Rocky films, while also making a film distinctly different. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone deliver, and Creed ends up being exactly what fans hoped it would be. In the end if you have the time go see Creed, it's a terrific 2 hours to spend.

and become a new legend.Like a good boxing movie should, Creed has heart. I'm such of fan of Micheal B. Jordan. He's got the charm and talent to become a movie star and Creed proves he's leading man material.And much respect to Sly, who as an aged Rocky, is in the same spot as once franchise regulars, Micky and Paulie. It's humbling for a movie star to take a step back and let Jordan drive the vehicle in front of the camera, and Ryan Coogler sit in the director's chair and pen the flick, but obviously Sly cares about this cow and sought out the very best to make it the very best. Stallone also gave a performance of a lifetime worthy of an Oscar nod for supporting actor. He is Rocky, and watching him on the screen with Jordan was incredible cinema.And the action in this movie was amazing. Some of the greatest battles in cinematic boxing are happening in Creed. We are so close to the action you can feel every hit. Also have to comment on Jordan's boxing skills. Creed, does an excellent job with showing a boxer going from having raw talent, to becoming a champion.Definitely a worth wild boxing movie to see, and I think the best Rocky film since number two.

protagonist and later close friend in the first four Rocky films.Donnie is a kid from the wrong side of the tracks with a big chip on his shoulder and a reputation for finding trouble with his fists. Brought back from the brink by Apollo's wife a touching performance by Phylicia Rashad Donnie can't escape his family legacy and seeks Balboa's help to make it in the ring, using his own adopted name. Balboa's help leads to a number of 'traditionally' brutal Rocky-style encounters in the ring. I must admit I don't normally 'go' for boxing films like this, but this is extremely well done. All of the boxing training is gritty and believable and the actual bouts, particularly the classic finale, is suitably thrilling and a technical masterpiece of camera-work hats off to cinematographer Maryse Alberti, who also filmed "The Wrestler" so is no stranger to the ring . A real surprise is just how good Stallone is in the role. There are scenes where Stallone really has to act – particularly an emotional locker-room scene when Rocky faces up to his own personal crisis – and any jokes about Sylvester "Expendables" Stallone's acting abilities are forgotten. Michael B Jordan is also a great find and a name to watch. He has to cover a wide range during the film and succeeds admirably.Tessa Thompson, impressive in last year's "Selma", makes a similarly positive impression here playing the love interest in the form of songstress Bianca, with a difficult future ahead of her."Creed" is a love letter to the old Rocky films, and – with this quality, and likely success – the start of a whole new generation of films seems probable. The respect it shows to the originals is characterized by a moving tribute to the classic 'Philadelphia steps' scene that brings a genuine lump to the throat. That being said, the film is a lot more 'street' for a new generation, with a soundtrack by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson that mixes rap and hip-hop with more classic orchestral elements. Without outright plagiarism of Bill Conti's classic score, Göransson subtly weaves in some of Conti's themes, notably Adrian's theme, as well as coming up with his own "Fly Now"- equivalent musical high-point.Impressive direction is by Ryan Cooglar in only his second feature film after Fruitvale Station, also with Michael B Jordan . Cooglar also wrote the story and co-wrote the script. Without any spoilers, the story is delightfully 'un-Hollywood" by being unpredictable in where it goes. However, an area for criticism is that it took a few 'easy' short-cuts in places: a particular 'change of heart' in the film is way to glib and quick.Finally, i would love to watch this film in a cinema in Liverpool, when the "hallowed turf" for a bout is revealed as being Everton's ground, Goodison Park….! Generations of Liverpool FC fans will be turning in their graves and I predict that cinemas in the city could become scenes of the worst hand to hand combat since the finale of Kingsman! Please see the graphical version of this review at bob-the-movie- man.com. Thanks.

several Rocky films over the years as Sly has developed more facets to the fighting Mr. Balboa of Philadelphia than I'm sure he even thought of when he debuted Rocky. It all really comes together with Creed.But as for the story it seems that back when Apollo Creed was killed in that fight with that Russian steroid machine Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV he had a dalliance that resulted in a post mortem birth of an illegitimate son who grew up to be Michael B. Jordan, character name of Adonis Johnson. Apollo's widow Phyllis Rashad took him out of foster care as his natural mother had died and raised him.Jordan has an interesting dichotomy to deal with. He's his father's son and wants to make it in the fight game, but on his own as Adonis Johnson. He seeks his father's old friend and rival Rocky Balboa as a mentor and Rocky trains him for a title shot at the light heavyweight championship. Rocky Balboa is not the most articulate movie hero ever developed, but he sure imparts a lot of wisdom to Jordan. Those scenes with Jordan are what got Sly Stallone that second Oscar nomination. Also Rocky has some personal crises of his own to deal with. These guys are of incalculable help to each other.I really loved this film and how Stallone developed Rocky to this point. Like fine wine, Rocky gets better with age.

it existed as not just a film about an underdog, but because it forged an emotional connection between audiences and it's central character, Rocky Balboa. One of the people that felt this connection was young director Ryan Coogler, previously known for his work on Fruitvale Station which also stars Michael B. Jordan. It's Coogler's love for the franchise that led him to write the screenplay for Creed and convince Sylvester Stallone that this was a film which had to be made in order to continue the legacy of Rocky, bringing it to a new generation of fans. Thank god he did, because Coogler has created a film that pays respect to what has come before it, as well as moving the story forward, and the amount of love and care that went in to crafting it is recognisable in every scene.In order to tell this story properly, however, Coogler had to create a character that could stand alongside Rocky and forge an emotional connection with fans both old and new. Donnie is the underdog for a new generation, full of rage and pent up frustration when we first meet him as a child in 1998, two traits which have stayed with him as he grows older. The underdog aspect of his character is nothing we haven't seen before, yet he is so well realised as a man aspiring to be like his father, and so well portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, that it's much more effective than many other failed attempts to create a character such as this. His drive and motivation are extremely justifiable, as is his reasoning that he has to make a name for himself without relying on his father's legacy. The latter is an interesting dynamic within the film as it adds further depth to the character, showcasing the pride he has in his own abilities, while also hinting at the anger and grief he still feels due to the fact he never met Apollo Creed before his death at the hands of Ivan Drago. The relationships he shares with Rocky and aspiring singer/songwriter Bianca Tessa Thompson lead him to come to terms with his father's death, enabling him to move on from his anger and in turn providing a satisfying character arc. These relationships also show that pride alone is not enough, and despite his reluctance to use his father's name, Donnie realises that he cannot make it on his own. Enter the former champion and friend of Apollo, Rocky Balboa.Sylvester Stallone's career has found it's legs again over the past few years thanks to the relatively successful, yet extremely disappointing, Expendables franchise. In Creed, however, Stallone proves that he can still act without relying upon a bunch of 80s nostalgia, and his performance may very well be the best of his career. One of Hollywood's hard men, Stallone shows a different side to himself here, delicate and world weary after seeing all of his friends and loved ones pass away. One scene in particular deals with this brilliantly, pulling at the audience's heartstrings as Stallone delivers a series of lines which highlight his grief. He also has some of the funniest dialogue in the film, his world weariness and age coming across as he tries to understand a world which features technology such as the Cloud. Recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Stallone is undoubtedly the best part of Creed and perhaps does the most to ensure the film doesn't become just another title in the long list of boxing movies.As well as great characters, the boxing scenes in Creed are also extremely enjoyable to watch. Coogler opts to use long takes which show every aspect of the fights, including the brutal hits Donnie both receives and dishes out on multiple occasions. The final showdown with 'Pretty' Ricky Conlan played by real life British boxer Tony Bellew is at times painful to watch as the two boxers exchange blows over the course of the fight, dripping blood and sweat onto the floor of the ring as they do so. There's no moments which are quite as gruesome as those seen in last years Southpaw, yet the scenes which do involve boxing are far more effective than any in recent memory, largely due to the connection we have towards Donnie and his trainer.There are flaws to be found, mostly because of the parallels between the film and Rocky, but it's important to realise that this is not only a continuation of the franchise, but also a love letter to it. Coogler and his cast have managed to create a boxing film which will appeal to audiences both old and new, as well as fans of the sport and those that have very little interest in it. In a world that is saturated by remakes, reboots, and sequels, it's refreshing to say that Creed manages to stand on it's own as a great piece of filmmaking.