Forging a legacy

"One step at a time. One punch at a time. One round at a time."

Thanks to Sylvester Stallone, the term "underdog" and his Rocky films are now synonymous with one another. The first in the franchise, quite possibly the greatest underdog film of all time, taught us the invaluable lesson that the true victory in a fight isn't beating your opponent but overcoming the odds to go all the way; a principle that applies to just about everything in life and not just the sport. It's hard to believe that nearly 40 years after the original release of the first Rocky film, the lesson is still relevant today as it was back in 1976; a lesson that manifests itself into the thematic backbone of Creed, a direct sequel to Rocky Balboa and a continuation in the saga. From his troubled youth, Adonis "Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) was born with the eagerness and grit to fight, a passion he wants to pursue by becoming a professional boxer. After being rejected by the trainer at the Delphi Boxing Academy, the same place his father trained, Donnie travels to Philadelphia to track down his father's long-time friend and former rival Rocky (Stallone) in hopes of persuading him to become his trainer. At first, Rocky rebuffs his offer as he no longer wishes to be involved in the sport that has left him alone and battered, and implores Donnie to do the same before he eventually ends up like him or worse, his father. But Donnie sticks to his guns, telling Rocky that the fact he is Apollo's son overshadows him and that he only wishes to fight for his own name and legacy. Rocky ultimately decides to train him but is unsure whether he carries within him the spirit of a true fighter. Much like the first Rocky film, Creed is an underdog tale but it's also a film about defining yourself from the moments you've lived through and the people who become part of your life. It's weird seeing Stallone in a role he portrayed six times before already and just when I thought he was going to beat the dead horse again, instead he brings this newfound depth in the character that I didn't think was there. Jordan's portrayal as Creed is just as strong too; a role that should've gotten him an Oscar nom as well. What makes the dynamic of these two characters' relationship work so well is the reversal of the roles: Stallone's Rocky now becomes the mentor to Jordan's Creed, the newcomer who will take the reigns to continue the legend. To some, Rocky Balboa was definite closer to the saga with Creed being more or less a spin-off of the series, and if it weren't for the strong performances, intense fight choreography, and impressive character development from both leads, it would've been just that but Creed is more than that; much more. It has heart, respect to the story's canon and shines a new light on an aging franchise, raising it towards new heights. It is without question the best Rocky film yet. Creed is a winner by a knock-out. 

-Reviewed by Razor 3/9/16