Logan Sork Film Reviews
Creed
The original Rocky film is arguably one of the most iconic films of all time. With its underdog story, iconic imagery and soundtrack, the film has had such an impact on our pop-culture, that even those who have never seen it are aware of some elements from it. With the success of the original both critically and commercially a new franchise was born. However, a slew of sequels (each one worse than the last) and a so-so reboot in 2006, the franchise and its iconic status was beginning to fade due to lack of innovation. The franchise was in need of new blood and in 2015 director Ryan Coogler delivered exactly what the franchise needed: a fresh lift with a dynamic new lead that serves as a modern update for the franchise, but also stays true to the heart of the original.
Creed is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, Rocky’s friend who was killed in the ring. Adonis grows sick of his business life and decides to take up his true passion of boxing as a profession but wants to make a career for himself without using his father’s name. He meets his father’s old friend Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) who agrees to train Adonis and help him get his career going. As he fights his way towards a shot at the title, Adonis must struggle with relationship problems and must learn to realize that no matter how hard he tries, he can never leave his father’s legacy behind.
Out of all of the Rocky films, Creed has the best fights out of the entire franchise. This is due to Ryan Coogler’s excellent direction in handling the fight scenes. Traditionally, the films would cut between different angles of the fight, allowing us to see both the perspective of the audience and the fighters. This is nice and all, but it lacks the intensity that staying in the ring would bring. Coogler understands this and keeps the fights fast paced, brutal and filmed extremely well. There are several fights throughout the film that use extremely long takes (and sometimes just one) that keep you locked in and helps to bring more intensity out of the fights. The lack of cuts is also a testament to the beautiful fight choreography and to the actor’s willingness to fight in a realistic manner.
Speaking of the acting, this film is filled with fantastic performances from everyone in the cast. Michael B. Jordan gives a fantastically nuanced performance as he truly sells the struggles (both physical and mental) that his character faces from all aspects of life. Sylvester Stallone is also excellent as he brings a level of calmness to the character of Rocky as he begins to shift from the franchise lead to the role of mentor. It is the dynamic between these two performers that make up the heart of the film and makes it a touching tale about the challenges faced by one another and the friendship that blossoms as a result. While Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashard are regulate to general support as Adonis’ girlfriend and mother respectively, both give fantastic performances that feel more like real people than actors portraying characters.
The themes of the film also have a unique dynamic that helps to make this film appeal to anyone who watches. As we watch Adonis struggle to make a name for himself in a world where existing names are the easier path, we can’t help but understand him and his struggles. We all want to make a name for ourselves, but it is much more difficult to do than we actually think. At some point, he also must learn to understand where he came from and how his legacy shaped who he is in the present. This is something that many people fail to remember as they make their way through life. They are so busy looking at the future that they often forget where they came from, which is just as important as who they are today. It is these two central ideas that make this film so appealing and will likely find a way to reach just about anyone.
While most elements of this film are excellent, there are a couple of bumps on the road. The biggest problem in my opinion is the film’s central antagonist. In the previous films, the main fighter to beat was often had some kind of personality and development that helped make the inevitable win for the protagonist all the more poignant. The main opponent in this film however is no different than the rest of the challengers that Adonis faces throughout the journey. While the end is still good, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed as it really feels like he is fighting any other fighter and not a true challenger. The film’s plot and structure are also by the numbers and it doesn’t really add anything new to the franchise story wise other than the new lead. It’s the same beats as nearly every other boxing film out there. There are also one or two cheesy moments that stick out like a sore thumb among the film’s more grounded approach to the story.
Despite the film’s flaws, Creed is in my opinion one of the better films in the Rocky series and a fantastic film in general. Its by the numbers story telling and weak villain are elevated by strong direction, excellent performances and resonant themes that can appeal to almost everyone’s struggles at some point in time. Even if you’re not a fan of boxing films or sports films, Creed is well worth viewing.
8.5/10