CREED (2015) Review
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Adonis Johnson was born not knowing his father is the legendary boxer Apollo Creed. And though he had a fine life with Apollo Creed’s wife who raised him, he knew he’s born to be a boxer, to follow the footsteps of his late father. Crazy enough, he quits his job to pursue his boxing career and heads to Philadelphia to train with his father’s friend and greatest foe, Rocky Balboa.
Things get more interesting and focused from there. The story is built on Apollo Creed’s journey but everything became better with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) entered the picture. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone works great together. Their chemistry as trainer and trainee to being like a father and son was seen and felt all throughout its transition. There’s a lot of interesting elements that was tackled in the film. Not only it is a sports, drama and family film, there’s also a romance angle. And that’s where Bianca (Tessa Thompson) arrives in the story. There isn’t much of a drama between the two lovers but there’s also a noticeable growth from being strangers to actually being lovers.
Its journey is incredible, the transition from being an amateur to being professional is quick but it’s also acceptable as it is dealt with in a personal way. We can all forget ‘Fantastic Four,’ Michael B. Jordan shines in this ‘Rocky‘ sequel/spin-off. There’s so much depth in his character but Jordan embraces it. Sylvester Stallone, though old, is still able to act what the story needed him to and he surely deserves the supporting-actor award in the recently concluded National Board of Reviews Awards.
Though the narrative is formulaic, you get to embrace it wholeheartedly. Creed is one of 2015’s best films and it packs the right punch for a sports family-drama. Its energy and pure intention to tell a story is commendable. The film has one of the most intense and suspenseful third act that will surely make the audience cheer and express their enthusiasm in the film’s main event.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Creed” opens in Philippine cinemas December 9 from Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13 by the MTRCB.