Augustana Observer

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Augustana Observer

Review: "Creed"

“Creed,” directed by Ryan Coogler, goes to the universe of Rocky Balboa, and tells the story of Adonis “Donnie” Johnson, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, son of boxing star, Apollo Creed. Seeking to make a name for himself, and not from his father’s legacy, Donnie enters the world of boxing. Creed’s wife, Mary Anne, acted by Phylicia Rashad, is against the idea; she remembers how Apollo died in the ring during the events of Rocky IV. Going against the advice given to him, Donnie sets out to Philadelphia to be trained under the Italian Stallion, the boxing legend himself, Rocky Balboa, who is of course played by Sylvester Stallone.
Coogler does an excellent job portraying the life of boxing in a contemporary setting, modern Philadelphia, and how brutal and intense the training and fighting can be. Jordan also excellently fills the role of Donnie not only in emotionally, but physically. Throughout the film it is slowly revealed what influences him to make the choices he makes. Physically,  training scenes were top notch with well done editing, and backed up by a powerful soundtrack composed by  Ludwig Göransson. Göransson does a god job of filling in the shoes of Bill Conti, who composed the score for four of the Rocky movies.
Those who like boxing films, especially the Rocky series, will find a lot of things they like in this movie that make it a Rocky film, especially the fight scenes. One of the first major boxing scenes was actually filmed all in one take, so that made it even more enjoyable to watch. Those who are upset over Adrian and Paulie missing from the movie will find that it is made up for with the new characters, and the relationships that are forged throughout the film, and that is what also seems to draw the attention of folks who don’t normally watch boxing or sports films.
In addition, this has also been one of Sylvester Stallone’s best roles in years. Stallone is Rocky Balboa. It’s always been his character, and he successfully delivers a knock-out punch in terms of portraying the emotions of a retired boxer who’s been pulled off of the sidelines for one last fight. The relationship between him and Donnie is one that resembles a bond between a father and son, and it really is the center of the film.
All in all, Creed steeps up to the ring and keeps the legacy of the Rocky films strong. A sequel was somewhat hinted at towards the end of the film, and if Coogly decides to fulfill that promise, a sequel would be warmly welcomed.

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Review: "Creed"