Movie Review # 590: Creed (2015)

Ladies, and gentlemen, as of now, we will be ten more reviews from reaching Movie Review # 600. Again, that will be a surprise as to which film I do. Well, in the meantime, we will be reviewing a film in which actor Michael B. Jordan made one of his big debuts, and played the son of one of Rocky Balboa’s late good friends from the Rocky movie series. In this film, we shall follow Adonis Johnson, the circumstances that led him to meeting Rocky Balboa, and more. So, let’s discuss the first of now three Creed movies in honor of the third film being released just recently, the one, and only Creed 1.

Plot: A young man named Adonis Johnson (aka Creed later on, and played by Michael B. Jordan) has always been into fighting, and now desires to become a boxing champion. He finally gets a potential opportunity when he comes across fighting champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). So, will Rocky train Adonis, and help Adonis be the best fighter that he can be?

So, how is this film in comparison to the other Rocky films that came before this one? Well, I need to go, and watch those films ALL THE WAY through. However, for now, I will say that though Creed, and maybe even the sequels, might be quite as good as the predecessor, Creed is still really good. First of all, you have to admire Adonis’ determination to be the best he can be. Yes, he does start being way too violent at times, especially when we see him as a kid. However, after seeing the emotional pain that he goes through, you have an understanding of where he’s coming from. Additionally, it’s great to have a main character, like Adonis Johnson (aka Creed), who is determined to do whatever it takes to make his dreams a reality. Oh, and Adonis is also a great character in terms of being very persuasive to people who most likely need to make better decisions. Yeah, he can possibly go a little overboard at times when he does something like that, but still. And another thing! I know some people may complain that Adonis is a black person that’s the new main character for this newer trilogy. However, after we find out that Adonis is the son of Rocky’s late friend, Adrienne, it’s of course understandable as to why Adonis would be made black. So, if you are doing so, please, do not be calling this newer trilogy woke just because Adonis is the new main character, and is black. It’s obvious that new character Adonis is black in this film, and the sequels, for a reason. Anyway, I just I’d point that out. Moving on, there’s some of the other characters in this film as well. For one, there’s Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky. First off, let me point out Stallone does an excellent job playing the famous Rocky even here, like he did in the previous Rocky films. Second, there’s the dynamic between him, and Adonis Johnson (again aka Creed). Once, they meet, and become friends, they work well off each other, and have a great relationship. The same goes for Adonis Johnson, and love interest Bianca Taylor (Tessa Thompson). First off, their dynamic is developed well too, when it comes to their romantic relationship. Theirs is also very realistic as well. They’re honest with each other, they go through difficulties together, and Bianca learns to be supportive of Adonis’ hopes, and dreams, even when it may feel difficult to do so. Finally, as far as pros for this film go, the storyline is very well done, especially when it comes to being a Rocky film, and introducing new characters.

But are there any flaws to this film? Well, for one, there is a little bit of sensuality thrown into this film, particularly around the middle to end of this film. In addition to this, as far as Adonis goes, you do have a mostly good understanding of where he’s coming from. However, he ends up making decisions that end up being impulsive sometimes. Not only that, but because of him acting impulsive at times, and sometimes failing to see things from other people’s perspectives at points, he can also come off as being rather selfish, and arrogant. Sure, he does have a decent character arc throughout the course of the film. However, it would seem as if his character could have sometimes been handled a little better.

And that’s my review for Creed 1. It is a very good film with good heart in it, some mostly well thought out characters, a good score by Ludwig Goransson. Yes, this film could have been a little better, especially when it came to making Adonis’ a little better written. Still, overall, this film is a very good continuation of the Rocky films, and does it’s best to tie in with the other previous films. So, definitely watch it, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A-