133 minutes, Drama, M

Rocky Balboa is back! Albeit, not inside the boxing ring this time around, as we’ve previously seen. Trust me, wise move! Unlike the unnecessary 2006 release ROCKY BALBOA, which if anything proved Stallone needed to remove the gloves at the end of 1990, the champ makes a welcomed return in CREED. Adonis Creed (Michael B Jordan), son of former pro-boxer Apollo Creed (whom Rocky fought back in his day) wants to prove to the boxing world he is not just his Father’s son. Adonis approaches Rocky, who is well into retirement managing his Italian diner, to be his trainer and mentor. 

This is the first film in the ROCKY series not written (or directed either) by Stallone. Showing wonderful sportsmanship and a respectful understanding of Rocky’s true role in CREED, Sly steps aside and allows the dynamic Jordan to take pro position. As a result, CREED does indeed pair together two talented artists for a mutually beneficial outcome. Having previously worked together as director & actor respectively in acclaimed drama FRUITVALE STATION, Ryan Coogler’s vintage representation, which serves as an ode to past ROCKY films, together with Jordan’s fierce, emotion-charged performance, collaboratively combine to a valuable degree in CREED. All the clichés for a boxing movie are well and truly in tact, yet it is the treatment applied to them which consistently elevates CREED well above your standard sport flick. Boasting outstanding cinematography in & out of the ring and warm characters easy to feel affection for, CREED truly is not bad at all!

3.5 out of 5

CREED – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
An M classification is in place for some bloody scenes during fight sequences, moderate violence that takes place outside of the ring, some coarse language and mature themes. There is also a scene or two of intimacy, but no nudity at all. My recommendation, from age 13 and up at parents’ discretion.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Roadshow Films and Village Cinema, Jam Factory for the invite to Melbourne Preview of CREED.

Review by Moviedoc
“LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc (The one with E.T!)

©