The key to their success was to develop a story around the illegitimate son of the late great Apollo Creed, who died in the ring before his son was born. Michael B. Jordon (Fruitvale Station, directed by Coogler) ably takes on the role of a rookie underdog ultimately matched up against the “best fighter pound for pound in the world”.
Adonis “Creed” Johnson is a troubled youth who never knew his father is taken in by his Dad’s wife played by Phylicia Rashad (Cosby). He quickly is on a path to success in the financial world but is pulled to the ring and secretly slips over the border to fight in Mexico. He’s good, but self trained, and decides to leave the business world in search of a trainer and a boxing career. Off to Philadelphia, the heart of the “Rocky” saga and into the gym with none other than the great Rocky Balboa as his trainer. Rocky is in his late sixties and has been quietly running a small restaurant called “Adrian’s”. He has been out of boxing since Apollo’s death, but reluctantly agrees to work with Adonis. Interestingly Rocky is now the same age as “Micky” (Burgess Meredeth) was in the original.
The fight scenes are beautifully filmed and you get a sense of being in the ring during the non stop action. Stallone is solid as the elder statesman to his young protege, and the romance between Adonis and musician Bianca played by Tessa Thompson is well done and avoids being overly dramatic or syrupy.
Credit goes to Ryan Coogler for bringing a fun trip down memory lane with fresh characters, and to Stallone for taking on a fresh angle on the never ending story. Nothing can compare to the original but “Creed” is a noble effort and is worth a look if you are looking for an escape on a rainy day.
