Creed (II) (2015) User Reviews

Gets better with age

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 2 April 2016]

Although young Michael B. Jordan has the title role in Creed the film really belongs to Sylvester Stallone. Sly joins an exclusive club of players like Bing Crosby, Paul Newman, and Al Pacino who got two Oscar nominations for playing the same role. In the case of Sly and Newman both aged naturally into the parts of Rocky Balboa and Eddie Felson. It's hard to believe that it has been 39 years since Stallone debuted Rocky Balboa. It's also 39 years between the nominations that Stallone got for Best Actor for Rocky and Best Supporting Actor for Creed.

But between that there have been 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.

With grit, style and substance, Creed goes the distance as an exceptional crowd pleaser.

[LloydBayer · 9/10 · 25 November 2015]

History has a strange way of repeating itself. 40 years ago, Rocky Balboa became a household name and turned an unwanted actor into one of the greatest success stories in Hollywood. The fact that Rocky (1976) won three Academy Awards including Best Picture is of little importance compared to the real life struggle behind the making of that film. For Sylvester Stallone, it was a rags to riches story that mirrored his real life struggles to make a decent and honest living. Cut from the same cloth maybe, but Creed is much more than just the seventh installment in the Rocky film franchise. As a 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.

An Exhilarating Showcase of Talent and Heart.

[tjgoalie13 · 9/10 · 25 November 2015]

Ryan Coogler's Creed delivers on everything that a great boxing film should, and represents a full return to form for Rocky. Directed by superstar in the making Ryan Coogler, and starring powerful performances from Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone the film is amazing. Creed is exhilarating, beautifully acted, while honoring the previous Rocky films lovingly. The film may be a little too familiar at times, but at least approaches it's overused plot lines with a different take.

From the opening scene the film captures your attention, showing us a glimpse into who this character 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.

A love letter to Rocky and film fans alike

[kevinoliver94 · 10/10 · 25 November 2015]

There's no other way to say it; Creed is a knockout.

From start to finish, this film exhilarates and crackles with brilliant on screen performances and masterfully directed fight sequences. It wholeheartedly captures what was so brilliant about the first film: the characters. Yes, I'll return to theaters to see the fights, but it's the characters, particularly Rocky and Adonis that truly captivated me from start to finish.

I can't say enough great things about writer/director Ryan Coogler. The way he masterfully captures the modern spirit of Philadelphia and the visceral 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.

Micheal B. Jordan is a super star, and Sylvester Stallone's got his back!!

[subxerogravity · 9/10 · 25 November 2015]

Milking the franchise for everything it's got, Sylvester Stallone returns as Rocky Balboa in the 7th installment in the series. This time, he's smart enough to know he's too old to get into the ring, so he gets some new blood with a familiar name.

Micheal B. Jordan plays Adonis(perfect name), a man who was in his mother's womb while his father, the legendary Apollo Creed got his ass handed to him in the 4th Rocky. With the same passion to fight as his father, he seeks out Apollo's old rival and best friend the Italian Stallion to teach him the skills to reclaim his legacy 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.

Essentially an updated Rocky

[EugeneOL · 7/10 · 15 January 2019]

This movie has been done six times prior to Creed, but its superior execution and presentation elevates the story. Unlike many of the other rocky films, it feels as though there is genuine drama in the lives of Adonis and Rocky, although not all of the scenes work. The scene where Adonis gets into a fight in the club felt unnatural and Rocky's cancer felt very hamfisted and unearned. Otherwise, this movie mostly hits all of right notes emotionally, and the fight choreography was good as usual. It's worth checking out even for those who did not like Rocky, as it doesn't have the same dated feeling. Overall, this is a solid entry that is able to stand on its own.

Much More Than Just a Boxing Movie

[TheFirstExecutioner · 9/10 · 25 March 2016]

Creed is the 7th installment in the Rocky franchise but this time focuses on Adonis Creed, Apollo Creed's son. He wants to follow in his father's footsteps and is trained by Rocky Balboa himself. More than boxing, this movie really goes into the relationship between Creed and Rocky and how they both support each other when they most need it. Michael B. Jordan is fantastic as Creed. He is so energetic in the boxing scenes and he is even better when his character is being developed. Now we come to Sylvester Stallone as Rocky. In his signature role, he absolutely knocks it out of the park in what may have been his best performance in his career as an actor. He honestly deserves an Oscar for this part. He brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions and still has the same charm from the old Rocky movies.

Creed perfectly mixes elements from past Rocky movies, especially the first, with modern culture. The amazing Rocky score is complemented by modern styles. Creed's story is told just like Rocky's and it is so beautiful to watch. The cinematography is also visually pleasing. Coogler captured the look of Philadelphia extremely well. The boxing scenes are excellent. There is a fight that is done completely in one take and I have no idea how they did it. It was amazing. This movie is a drama that tugs at your heart a lot, but at times it still manages to be quite funny as well.

I love Creed as a film. Its characters are so well realized and acted, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the boxing is glorious. Creed is definitely one of the best films of 2015. Creed gets an A.

A lot of hype

[DannyBoyy2 · 7/10 · 11 December 2015]

Going into Creed, I was expecting Rocky, and that's not what audiences should expect. It's not Rocky. Sylvester Stallone isn't our hero anymore. It's Michael B. Jordan, or should I say, Adonis Creed. While I was watching this, I was reminded of the first Rocky and all the obstacles Sylvester Stallone's character had to overcome, and it's a testament to that universal motto of 'going in one more round'.

Creed is a good movie, but it's no Rocky. Adonis isn't a street kid. Boxing isn't his only option. There's no Adrian, no Paulie, or any eye of the tiger. However, there is a Mick in Rocky. Glimpses of the old Rocky Balboa. His heart, his knowledge, but most importantly, his wisdom.

Don't go into Creed expecting to see Rocky, because you won't. This is a new vehicle. Its story has flaws, and that's understandable, but there was something else that bothered me about this movie. It needed more heart. Maybe a training montage, or an inspirational quote, or even a visit to father would've sufficed. Instead, I saw a lot flash and excess. And that's fine, I guess I just expected more of a 'champion' picture.

Stallone Should Have Won The Oscar

[slightlymad22 · 8/10 · 8 July 2016]

Continuing my plan to watch every Sly movie in order, I come to Creed.

Plot In A Paragraph: Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.

Long rumoured, Sly publicly turned this movie down on more than one occasion. And I was in the camp that was glad he did. I didn't want anything ruining the ending to Rocky Balboa, which for this Zoner was perfect. However a few flops at the domestic box office later, and it's back to Rocky.

And it is the smartest decision he made in years, winning the Golden Globe and taking him all the way to the Oscars. (I still say he should have won)

Whilst I enjoyed Creed immensely, I can see both sides of the argument regarding this movie.

I'll get what I didn't like out of the way first. Whilst I loved the nods and references, I thought it literally borrowed TOO heavily from the first movie from me (Just a few....The champs opponent breaking something prior to the fight, and the Champ needing an opponent quick, and said opponent is chosen because of his name. The fighters needing separating at the end of the second round, A 14th round knock down with the champ turning his back to celebrate as the hero gets up, the result of the fight)

It undid all the Rocky/Robert relationship restored by the end of Balboa. How did the vultures of the gutter press, not pick up on how sick Rocky was looking?? And did Robert not see any pics of his Dad in the papers or on TV, and think "He's not looking too well, I'll give him a call"

I didn't relate to Adonis (nobody's fault) but when Rocky wasn't on screen, especially early on, I wasn't that interested, and was tempted to reach for the remote, to run it forward to the next time Rocky was featured.

As someone who has lost close (TOO many) family members and loved ones to Cancer, and been with them all the way through it, the scenes of Rocky receiving his treatment, struggling to the toilet and needing to be tucked in, struck me far TOO close to home as I thought they may.

Tony Bellew was intimidating enough, but thought his physique lacked, and he almost looked fat next to Jordan.

Now on to the good.

Sly is fantastic, and is totally worthy of his Golden Globe win and Oscar Nomination!! It's defiantly an Oscar worthy, so for him not to win, was guttering!! He was the best thing in the movie, and when he wasn't on screen, I found myself thinking "When is Rocky coming back in to it" Although I think his Balboa performance, was better (the "It wasn't supposed to be like this Paulie" scene in the meat house and the "It ain't about how hard you hit" Speech come to mind) and it could be argued Copland is too!!

I thought all the cast were good, especially Jordan, and I really liked Rashad, even if she was under used!! (I thought it would be her at the hotel room door, the night before the fight, meaning Rocky finally called her)

I loved it when Gonna Fly Now kicked in during the start of the final round.

I know it's not to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed the score, and all the fight scenes were well shot too!! Though I'm not quite sure how it was a split decision. He seemed well beat to me.

The scenes that I cried at 1 When Rocky got the news 2 "Put everything that was good in my life in a bowl" 3 seeing Rocky struggle during the training montage 4 "You're a Creed and I love you kid" and the Rocky music kicked in 5 seeing Rocky struggling up the steps.

It was nice to see Sly playing Rocky again, and it is a very touching movie that reduced me to tears more then once. It's a well made, entertaining movie, and I do enjoy it. But I don't feel the need to revisit this movie that often. I think my ten your old son summed it up best. When I suggested watching this, he questioned why I wanted to watch it, so I asked why not?? And he replied "If I want to watch a Rocky movie, I'll watch one of the real ones"

A Potential Classic

[MediaPanther · 25 November 2015]

If you have watched the original Rocky and think it is a near classic, then Creed is close. Maybe not a classic, because only time will tell. But it is close in terms of look and feel. There are scenes, tempo, performances, music, and of course the setting (Philadelphia) which harken back to the award winning 1976 film. This is not a comparison piece, but Creed is what the earlier release this year of Southpaw could have been; a gritty, modern day boxing film.

Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station), plays the titular character (using the name Donnie Johnson) who yearns to exorcise his demons/ follow his dreams in the boxing ring. Without giving anything away, he's the son of the late, great Apollo Creed and he sets out to find any trainer willing to take him on. He can fight, but he's raw and needs refinement if he's going to be taken seriously.

His search lands him in his father's old Philly stomping ground, where he pester's one Rocky Balboa (Stallone) into training him. He pulls every angle to get Rocky to help him since his pop and Rocky were combatants and close friends before he died. Once Rocky begrudgingly gives in, things begin to coalesce. Stallone is excellent as the "Mickey"-esque Balboa. Although he didn't write the screenplay for Creed, he is one of the producers and his presence is felt. The dynamic between his character and Creed is perfect. The right combination of old school and new school. One scene is indicative when Creed takes a picture on his phone of Rocky's workout routine then tells him it's "in the cloud" to Rocky's bewilderment.

In Creed, director and writer Ryan Cogler is reunited with Jordan. As Creed, Jordan's performance is on part with Stallone's. He imbues his character with just the right amount of bravado, not cockiness, just confidence, hunger, and drive. He also trained and bulked up for the role. But he's not all fierce competitor, he has funny, sensitive sides as well. Cogler's team decided Creed should have a love interest. The relationship he forges with a local neo- soul artist played by Tessa Thompson (Dear White People) could have been syrupy, but thankfully it doesn't overshadow the main theme or feel forced. Frankly, some of the scenes with Thompson and Jordan are very good and so is their chemistry.

Creed is an excellent example of mixing newcomers with established names on both sides of the camera and having the end result come out perfect. The crew and cast turn in great work. Cogler had the fortune and skill to work with people who know what it takes to put together a film that would appeal to critics and audiences alike. There were a couple scenes that are "wow" moments, not just fight scenes, which are are amazing, but little scenes that are set up, shot (by Maryse Alberti) and acted that will have a lasting effect on the viewer. Maybe classic isn't a stretch.

• See more at: http://www.mediumraretv.org/review/creed/#sthash.l3vjP0Ca.dpuf

Not bad, but not great. Some great stuff, but overall, some empty parts

[peter_the_great_scott · 6/10 · 10 June 2019]

Michael B Jordan did a great job acting in this. I thought Stallone did as well, and overall, the supporting cast was fine. Beginning made it hard to get into, as the opening scenes seemed hard to understand and either not well written, not well directed, or not well acted (when creed was a child meeting his stepmom).

It is missing a kind of zeitgeist identity, a presence of authentic passion in some of the filmmaking choices. For example, the juxtaposition between the wealth of Creed's family mansion and the working class environment of philly never felt rich. When Creed and Bianca meet at a restaurant, there is no identity of the restaurant, it's just a normal restaurant, for example. We dont feel that the environment of LA is one of spoiled behavior, instead, we are told Creed just doesnt want it. And so on.

Would have been a very interesting storytelling hook if, instead of Rocky telling Creed in the middle of his first fight how Apollo beat him if he had been working on a "hook" or a secret weapon to develop, a secret insight all along. After I saw it transpire in the way it did, I couldnt help thinking how amazing the story points would have shifted if, earlier in the training, Rocky said let me show you a technique. "work on this move. When the fighter does this, do this. And trust me, he will." And upon Creed resisiting it Rocky saying "you asked me who won the third fight between me and your father, this is how he won."

And then, during his first fight, the whole time, Creed is doing as he did, showing his hard work, but always looking for that secret insight into overvcoming his opponent. And then, when he finally wins, it is because Rocky has actually connected him to the string that binds him to his father.

I couldnt help thinking this. And although I would agree I shouldnt write the movie that someone else wrote, as they had their own intentions, the point being that there was something missing from this being an original and really grabbing story. We are supposed to somehow rely on the previous rocky movies too much, instead of this story doing the work for us.

I just find that movies have lost a lot of the magic they once had because the art of storytelling is being lost along the way.

Overall, not bad, but I wish for something even just a bit more. I recommend it if you want something to watch, but not for something beyond just a date night or general entertainment,

The legend lives on...

[mtsaska · 10/10 · 25 November 2015]

First off let me say that I have been a life long Rocky fan. With that being said I went into this film very cautious as almost the entire cast and crew were brand new. The trailers looked good, but today a good trailer is not necessarily an indicator of a good film. Sylvester Stallone killed it as a much older and more breakable Rocky. Michael B. Jordan's performance was as good if not better than Sly's. I think that from this day forward anytime I see Jordan, I will think of him as Creed and not whatever character he is playing. The story was engrossing and well thought out. The 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.

Formuliac Feel Good Urban Fairytale But Nothing More Than That

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 23 December 2015]

Look stop me if you heard this before but Once upon a time a poor downtrodden lad from the wrong side of the tracks finds a purpose in life and rescues himself from a dead end life and finds wealth and happiness from the fruits of his efforts Sounds like every story ever written doesn't it and the only stand out is that it's yet another movie in the ROCKY franchise . To be fair the Italian stallion isn't really the focus of the story and the story revolves around the son of the late Apollo Creed , a son has it happens he didn't know he had and a son no one else in the universe knew he had apart from the producers of this movie . Did someone say contrived ? How about another word beginning with C - cynical ? Yes that's the word we're looking for . Cynical

But this isn't a film for cynics and it helps if you don't view this film through cynical eyes because like the original ROCKY from 40 years ago . It certainly tries to be feel good and might just succeed on that account if you're in the mood . Director Ryan Coogler does cast well with up and comer Michael B Jordan in the title role with real life boxers such as Ward and Bellew as pugilists and it's probably the only film you'll see where the climax takes place at Goodison Park in Liverpool . No doubt the people who enjoyed the previous films in the ROCKY series will enjoy this one but you've seen it all before many times even down to having the bad guys speak with British accents

Not emotive or that gripping.

[sophographylondon · 5/10 · 12 December 2021]

I'm confused by the high reviews for this film. I didn't find it emotive or powerful. I actually felt it was quite cheesy at some points. Stallone was good but the relationship didn't feel as heart warming as it could of. I thought I would see more reviews with the same opinion so I'm a little confused whether I watched the same film.

"It's your name - use it"

[bob-the-movie-man · 8/10 · 8 January 2016]

As a boxing movie Creed packs a heavyweight punch.

Sylvester Stallone (as the film's producer) has covered a lot of miles with his Rocky legend, most recently with his 2006 Rocky Balboa. As such I had thought there was little milk left in the cash cow, but "Creed" proves me wrong. This time, with Stallone's advancing years, he wisely doesn't stretch credibility by having Rocky Balboa as the center of the pugilism, but hands the baton to young contender Adonis ("Donnie") Creed (Michael B Jordan). Adonis is the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, Rocky's 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.)

Keep pushing and Stay Hard

[igornveiga · 8/10 · 17 July 2022]

It's not about winning, it's about hard work, daily dedication and never giving up because new opportunities will come. This is the biggest lesson I take from the Rocky movies, a lesson that is valid for our lives, the person who can absorb this mentality will probably have a lot of success in life.

About the film, the performances are good, the plot is not that deep (and it doesn't need to), sets, soundtrack, action scenes and very accurate fighting.

That's it, a simple film (but not generic) that fulfills its role very well, a good sequel to a saga of legendary films.

It's has a few moments.

[ips138 · 6/10 · 17 October 2021]

Took me a while but finally watched it.

Its sad to see that a 40 year old movie totally out classes a 2015 follow up.

There are times it feels so flat and disjointed I thought it'd done. Then a couple of moments bring some luster.

The score is lacking. The fight seems with all the tech can't match the old. Some of the dialogue follows the same line.

Its really lacking heart and a big score.

"The chickens are slowing down" (dialog)

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 2 December 2015]

... but Stallone isn't.

There are a number of serious reasons to catch this film if you can:

* it's a solid production. Nice writing, acting, direction. Starts slow and builds. Not every great film has to start with a car chase (FF) or a building imploding (Bond).

* it's a feel good film, and they don't make those any more. The script makes clear, this is as much about capital-L LIFE as boxing. Not a boxing movie. But it is not "not" a boxing movie --- see?

* props to writer/director Coogler. A labor of love and it shows.

* a great opportunity to spend time with a legend, and here I mean Stallone not Rocky. This guy literally does not know the meaning of the word "quit." When everyone in town turned down the Rocky I script, he found backers anyway. When some of the Rockies turned out to be bombs, he just kept going. When everyone figured he was down for the count, he started a B-movie franchise called the Expendables. And when he woke up one morning and realized that all the other franchises had imploded, he turned his B-movie franchise into an A-movie franchise, and no one even noticed.

A holiday treat that may surprise everyone and stand the test of time. Like Stallone himself.

It's Hollywood, so don't expect realism

[schugeorge · 6/10 · 17 October 2018]

Call me a scrooge if you like, but As fight scenes go in movies this one is pretty lame and unrealistic to a fault. Scenes which cost it a few stars and made me laugh (although the stunt scenes are actually pretty good) In the real world this fight would have been stopped at any number of junctures. Most likely is the scene where Creed is knocked out cold for what was easily a 15-20 count (and that was with the slow motion segments, yet he wasn't counted out. No way would he have been allowed to continue. Another scene was when he was hammered numerous times and ended up draped over the top rope, not defending himself. Again, this would have warranted a stoppage. Also, the amount of times the fighters were allowed to wind up and hit one another was astounding. I'm not talking about exchanges, but times when one fighter would basically stand there and allow the other to haul off and swing. Now, I don't mind a little unrealism in film, but scenes like this are way too much for my liking. And the end of the fight? SPOILER!! SPOILER!!! SPOILER!!! Can you say "ADRIAN?!?!" LOL

Great Characters, Emotion and Performances

[Michael_Elliott · 1 January 2016]

Creed (2015)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Character study of Adonis Johnson who we meet as a troubled child. After fighting through the streets and child care services he learns that he's the son of former heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. Mary Anne Creed takes the young kid in and as an adult he decides to take up boxing. Soon Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) wants to make that his career and he seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) who he hopes will train him.

I remember watching ROCKY V in the theater and remembering what a disaster that film was and how the entire franchise had finally put itself in the ground. Years later Stallone was bringing his famous roles back and it turned out that ROCKY BALBOA was a masterpiece that perfectly get the series back on track. CREED, from director and co-writer Ryan Coogler isn't quite as good as that film but when you consider this is the seventh movie in the series you can't help but be amazed at what they were able to do here.

As I said in my review of SOUTHPAW, the boxing genre really hasn't changed any since the 1940s and each decade gave us new boxing movies dealing with the same stories. There's always a troubled character and there's always the end result of trying to get redemption. It's easy to see why actors, writers and directors want to take their turn at the boxing genre and Coogler and Jordan, who previously worked together on the wonderful FRUITVALE STATION, both show the mainstream what they're able to do.

The story does feature the same redemption and character developments of previous boxing movies but it was a smart idea connecting this to the Rocky Balboa series. For starters, everyone knows them characters and by knowing them you can bring a little more emotion to them and you're already connected with them. The screenplay is smart enough to make this film fit in with what came before it but it's also smart enough to really wrap a great idea behind this Creed character. Someone trying to make a name for themselves and someone trying not to use a name for fame is something that can connect with the viewer.

The film so well-written as this one also means that the terrific cast can dig into their roles. Jordan once again turns in an excellent performance and I really liked that his character really was a good guy who just makes some stupid decisions. A lot of times we see bad characters trying to do good but I loved the nice quality that Jordan brought to the role. Stallone gives one of the greatest performances of his career and once again manages to prove that he's a terrific actor and doesn't need a machine gun in his hands. He has some incredibly touching scenes here that her perfectly nails. Tessa Thompson is also very good in her supporting role as the love interest.

The film features some great music and the cinematography is also extremely good. There have been so many boxing movies that it's hard to film a fight scene in new ways but I thought the scenes here were quite effective. CREED certainly reaches for your heart and hits all the right movies. It'll be interesting where the series goes from here.

Good, solid, but by the book inside and out...

[secondtake · 7/10 · 1 April 2016]

Creed (2015)

I went into this expecting too much, for sure, but if you do the same, you'll still be happy to see a solid boxing movie. The clichés are huge, of course, on purpose, including lots of mentions (and movie clips) of the earlier Rocky movies.

In that sense, this is a movie for people who loved the original (and to some extent the earlier sequels). It's a feelgood followup without a completely predictable ending. As the son of Apollo Creed (remember him?) turns to boxing instead of a lucrative business career (really?) we have an echo of that first Italian Stallion rising up from nowhere to challenge the best of his times.

With no disrespect to the leading actor, Michael B. Jordan, the character lacks the quirky depth and pathos of the original slightly dumb-seeming but ultra sweet role that Stallone created (he wrote it) in "Rocky." And so Jordan, the ex-banker, has none of the rising from the depths of poverty and loneliness that the original Rocky had. They try to give him some backstory with lots of fighting as a kid, but it's just story, not emotional depth.

And so the rest of the movie follows suit. We like the guy (Adonis Creed) and want him to win. But we like even more Stallone himself, who ends up being once again the start of the movie—and with a large role. He's officially a supporting actor, but he's in it top to bottom and with real depth to his character.

Some of what keeps this being a good solid but unexceptional boxing story is the writing (Ryan Coogler) and the directing (Ryan Coogler). The plot and the technicals of directing are all straight from the book—predictable, but professional. The fight scenes themselves are among the best of the movie— emotionally and physically convincing. And watch Stallone all along, who is pretty terrific.

Yeah, you might want all these clichés, but heads up—they aren't enough for a truly great movie, which this is sometimes promoted to be.

Creed delivers a solid knockout a great legacy of rocky films

[dimbost · 9/10 · 27 November 2015]

Had the pleasure to watch the film at the opening night. The cinema was packed and the film had a lot of hype to live up to. Rocky was an amazing film, and this had to be a solid movie for it to set down with all of the Rocky fans. The movie didn't only live up the hype, but it also deliver a very beautiful KO!!

Creed is probably the best boxing movies to have been made in the last 20+ years, Yes, i'm not joking it knockouts all of its competitors in the first round! The story is very compelling and touching. As the audience you become worried and start to cheer for Creed through his struggles and his fights against his own demons, to top it off Stallone's performance as aging and now more human then ever Rocky is just heart melting, and you can not but help to feel so sad and so sorry for him.

Acting in the film was great by the entire cast. Stallone had an incredible performance playing Rocky for the seventh time. Probably on par with his performance from the fist Rocky which gave him a nod for the Oscars. Michael B Jordan does an incredible job portraying a young man trying to come to terms with who he really is. All of the cast does a great job!

Story: this has to be one of the best Rocky films. The story is very close to original, in terms of being creative and showcasing something new. Adonis is young boxer who felt that he was betrayed by every one, and that he has no family. As young kid he was kicked around foster homes, and ended up in juvenile center until Mary Anne took him in. When he grows up, he wants to prove to the world that he is worthy of his father's name, but doesn't want to use the family name to open all the doors, he calls himself Adonis Johnson. Rocky is now an old and fragile man, who is waiting for Father Time to take him, he no longer has a purpose and you can clearly see it trough Stallone's performance. The two become a real family and give one an other a purpose to live and a purpose to fight again. What else i love about the film, is that how true it was to real boxing. From the line where Rocky says he is to old to do the hand pads, to the main event only happening because of the name and the fall of the other fighter, to the special bout that was put in place with the number 4 seed, and all of the time in between. Creed with its two main fights spread over a 9 month, so around 36 weeks. Southpaw had 5 fights spread over 30-32 weeks. Which one seems like more realistic?

There are tons of references to the original Rocky films, which was fantastic to see and hear. To Apollo's older son, to Micky's Gym, Pauli's obsession with dirty magazines, 1 in a million shot to become the champion, the chicken race, the restaurant, the flashback montages, city of Philadelphia and its streets, life quotes by Rocky, rocky theme music remixed for new generation and then the original at the end. going the distance against the champion and losing in a split decision, and probably many more that i can not remember right now.

Great film, and great continuation of the Rocky Legacy.

A wholly unnecessary movie

[vikascoder · 6/10 · 5 December 2015]

Why do we need to see a reasonably made rehash of the same successful formula, shot with a different camera at a different time which does not take the saga into newer territories nor ever takes risks with the material? This is a ho-hum plod through another reboot where the character's motivations are all muddled, the romance is all tacked on and unnecessary and the plot is mm thick, it never delves deeper into its suggested material, doesn't explore any angles or takes any chances. The only redeeming thing about this movie is the mildly interesting interaction between Stallone and Creed.

A good example is Tom Hardy's Warrior, which explores so much emotions and gives an emotional wallop, all of which is missing from this latest retake from Ryan Coogler.

This movie is a bore.

Way overrated

[killercola · 5/10 · 30 March 2023]

Not sure why such high praise. It was essentially a generic version of the first Rocky classic but reversal of characters. Directing was average at best and the acting was subpar with the exception of, surprisingly, Sylvester Stallone. He stole this movie with his performance and made it watchable. Everything else felt rushed, cheesy and stale. I didn't care about any of the other characters. The writing was as if a high schooler wrote the script. The whole movie just felt like the Director failed to develop any meaningful characters or relationships other than Sly. I understand he was up for an Oscar for this role. Should Sly have won it? Probably not but he definitely deserved a nomination and the Golden Globe was a nice little grab for him. He saved this movie. Ryan Coogler, Michael B Jordan and Tessie Thompson had an opportunity to make something special here but alas it was a failure.

We Got One Rock

[kaustubh241997 · 9/10 · 28 December 2015]

Just like it's counterpart, even this 7th installment to the franchise has proved the fact that the true story of the universe has just begun. Creed just like the original movie of the series has a strict focus on the characters, their struggles and eventual triumph, with only a role switch with the son of "The Apollo Creed " . This is one of the only few movies I loved watching this year, and I am pretty much thankful I did. In this review I shall justify the reason as to why this movie has received a rating as high as a 9/10.

1)Story :- The basic story is backed by a pretty good script and an engaging narrative that puts Adonis Johnson / Creed , son of Apollo creed in the centre of the fight this time. But unlike his father's story , this man is forced to battle his unfulfilled passion for fighting , unjustified emotions that cross him and a blockade that brands him as a man born from someone else's legacy. The story technically puts Adonis on the radar, while the people around believe him to be a man whose fame comes by his father's legacy. This is a story of how a man, with a will to create a mark in history for himself, steps into the ring, not only fighting the fight , but battling his priorities. The story sometimes is vague reminder of the first rocky, but the distinctive performances from both actors see to it that this movie rises beyond those insignificant questions.

2)Casting And Characters:- The casting and characterization of this cast is what makes this movie splendid. Though the script is more or less that of a generic boxing movie seen a million times before , it is the distinctive performances by the lead Michael B Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. This is one of those movies that solely concentrates it's screen time on only those characters that require screen space to ideologically progress the story. While the movie consists of other members like Bianca the love interest and Mary Creed , Adonis's mother , all these plot devices are only meant to build the tension during the final fight and are completely disposable , since they add little to nothing to the actual plot to be significant . But what is evident is that director Ryan Coogler, has done is absolute best to pull the best out of every cast member who was a part of this movie. But when all is done and said, I cannot be absolutely fair while I express my love for the man who started it all , and the man who almost overshadowed Creed's performance in this movie , The Rocky Balboa a.k.a Sylvester Stallone. This man has proved the fact with this movie that he is not just the broody, rough and tough man who does action movies but is an actor who has the potential to ACT. That's right, Sylvester Stallone after a million fails has proved that he is no more expendable. His performance swelled my eyes with tears and without spoiling anything, Ryan Coogler's decision to modify the characters life in the way he did so , was not just best for the plot , but best for the ultimately produced definitive performances too.

3)Direction :- When directing a movie for a franchise that has spanned for many generations it is a risky move for us audience when we witness a new chapter. The movie could either be a project made as a nostalgic cash grab or a passion project that respects it's previous entries but becomes different and distinct at the same time. And just like the Creed in the movie, Ryan Coogler has proved that this movie is not just made as a product of Rocky's legacy but a project that has the ability to stand on one's own foot to essentially act as a reinvigoration of what Rocky was originally imagined to be. Coogler has managed to build a completely new atmosphere for this franchise that gives a sense of difference and change but at the same time , affixes us to the city of Philadelphia that we have known and loved since the original Rocky with the perfectly cued original soundtracks that assures us that we are actually connected to the world we always loved. It is evident that the style of direction that Coogler used for this movie is something completely different from the previous Rocky movies. This one goes in the line of other dark boxing movies such as Warrior where colours of the world around are dumbed down to create this dark and gloomy environment and everything in the frame of perspective is saturated with detail to create an exact and realistic picture of the sport of boxing in the best way possible . What I was let down by , slightly , was Coogler's quick jump takes and cut-shots during the final fight , that actually put me out of the intensity that the shot had to have. Overall, Coogler's direction is brilliant in many ways and it was his vision that was desperately needed to create , progress and continue the now 6 movie franchise. If you have already watched the movie, the final scene of Rocky climbing the stairs followed by a focus shot of the city from the height explains exactly why I praise his direction so much.

On a whole it was an absolutely unexpected journey filled with the excitement, vigor and energy that every Rocky movie had. If you are a person who would step in a theatre or watch this movie just for the fights, let me warn you right away and tell you that you will be disappointed. This movie is a directorial and character driven drama whose ultimate underline of boxing gives the much needed progressive element for the plot. And is definitely one of the best movies of 2015.