Wednesday 2 December 2015

Creed


Directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Creed is the first official Rocky spin-off.
It tells the story of Adonis Johnson, Apollo Creeds illegitimate son - his life and rise to notoriety as a boxer.

Having spent several years in foster homes and juvenile facilities, Johnson is visited by Apollos widowed wife, Mary Anne. Mary Anne claims custody of Johnson and raises him as her own, in the privileged lifestyle left to them by his father.
Fast forward 17 years and Johnson is working for a reputable security firm. Outside of work hours however, Johnson is moonlighting as a boxer - playing numerous fights south of the L.A. border in Mexico. Having secured 16 knock-outs, Johnson sets about making a career of the sport - and his passion. Much to the disappointment of Mary Anne, who lost her husband in the ring, Johnson sets off to Philadelphia - home of some of the best boxers in the world, including Rocky Balboa!
Keen to make it under his own steam, Johnson refuses to go by his fathers name to win respect. His legacy is soon discovered however, meaning Johnson must come to terms with his fathers absence, his legacy and name. Thankfully he has Rocky in his corner!

Creed is a great, great film! Like the best Rocky films, it's gritty and supplies its leads with rich character arcs. It also has positivity oozing from every sweaty pore! 
Stallone has handed the creative reigns over to Coogler, who must be a fan of the original series (who isn't)?! 
Coogler gets Rocky; from the stunning choreography of the boxing matches and the under-dog sensibilities, to the rich characterisation and exquisite use of music - which in all honesty, should make you stand-up and punch the air!
Just as Stallone did it before him, Coogler utilises the nuances of his characters surroundings also - particularly the town of Philadelphia. Coogler understands that Philly is and always has been one of Rockys greatest co-stars!

Creed is without question an under-dog story, staying close to the formula of each and every Rocky film before it. Audiences may scoff at this, thinking they've seen it all before. However in this day and age one can't put a price on positivity - and Creed is genuinely positive and uplifting. 
Despite a few minor contrivances (the mid-section of the series), each Rocky film has explored different aspects and eras of Rocky and his cast of supporting characters. In Rocky Balboa, Stallone explored the retired sports star, learning to except the loss of those closest to him. In Creed Johnson is unable to escape his fate, despite his wealth and privilege. Johnson has to except the loss of someone early-on in his life and further explore the benefits of his birth-right, beyond wealth and what society seems fit to determine. Fundamentally Rocky is the average Joe who made good - happy to live out his golden years in humble surrounds. Rocky is a human story, meaning everyone can relate to him, little or much - and this extends to Creed.

Michael B. Jordan is terrific as Johnson/Creed. Coogler obviously recognises a talent when he sees one, having cast Jordon in his feature-film debut. Jordon comes close to matching Stallones physicality in this film - and shows great emotional depth to boot!
Taking a back-seat creatively, Stallone adds a lifetimes worth of expertise and experience as the infamous Rocky Balboa. Like 2006's Rocky Balboa, Stallone unearths even more depths to his creation. Come awards season it'll be friggin' awesome to see him pick-up a statue or several!

Creed is one of the few spin-off movies which actually works. Proving there's no substitute for a good script and great characterisation, Creed does the unimaginable and makes you care deeply for its mythos - and the make-believe characters who pass through it.
The Rocky saga is in safe hands with this particular team - and further adventures would be most welcome. Film of the year so far!

5/5


Poster image courtesy: http://www.shockya.com

No comments:

Post a Comment