Creed (2015)

 

Iconic characters: only a few actors can say they've managed to create something that almost the enitre world knows. Stallone did it several times, but it can easily be argued that his Rocky-character is probably the best loved, as this is (except for a couple over-the-top ones) the most realistic of all. 'Creed' can be seen as a continuation of the Rocky-legacy, but it takes a slightly different spin, which you already surmised from the title. 

It is also a heartwarming crowdpleaser and makes you feel all fuzzy inside. If you like boxing, that is. 

'Creed' is focused on a young boy named Adonis. He is the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, Rocky's best known opponent and later friend. Adonis gets taken in by Apollo's wife and grows up to be a clever young man, yet his heart lies with boxing. 

You know, something about legacies and the like.

He quits his job, and heads to Philadelphia, where he tries to get Rocky to train him. Eventually, Rocky agrees and they form a bond, even though Adonis is pretty hot-headed and headstrong. He also falls in love with a musician who is slowly going deaf. When Rocky is diagnosed with cancer, things don't look to well for our duo, because Adonis can't focus on a massive fight coming up against the current champion Ricky Conlan. Will both of them overcome adversity and will we get a joyous ending?

What did you expect? 

Even though this film gives you exactly what you expect, it is still a very well made one and one that manages to grab you and tug your heartstrings a little. This has several reasons, but at its core the performances are all damn fine. Michael B Jordan once again proves he can really act and the cocky Adonis (shades of Carl Weathers there) is a flawed yet relatable character. Tessa Thompson is also really good as Adonis' love interest Bianca. They don't overplay her hearing loss, but in a few moments and a couple of words you get that this is a burden for her, as music is her passion and she is trying to enjoy it to the fullest for as long as she can. 

But you know who once again proves that he can act a lot better than many people give him credit for? Sylvester Stallone. This is the Rocky we know and love from the first film: a down to earth guy who just rolls with the punches of life and who has had his fair share of ups and downs. You believe Stallone and that is tantamount to why this film has so much heart. The scene in the dressing room right after Adonis discovers that Rocky has cancer is Stallone at his finest. Seriously, his delivery is on par with the emotional speech at the end of 'First Blood', it is thàt damn good. 

And sure, the ending is uplifting and you could be roused from your seat in glorious elation, but that doesn't mean that the film is just that. 

Now, in all fairness: it does help immensely if you are familiar with the entire franchise, especially the first four Rocky-films. Not going to lie, nostalgia plays a big part in this one. On its own merits, it is still a decent enough film, but the nostalgia and references complete the picture. This also means that if you are not as familiar with it all, that you might not get your money's worth out of it. 

But if you're a sucker for sports' films, like some boxing and get all gooey and wobbly-kneed with a sort of 'zero to hero'-story, or if you just want to feel good, then this is perfect for you.