Creed

Managing hype is an odd thing for me, as well as others, I'm sure. 

When I first heard about Creed I somewhat scoffed at the idea. One of Rocky Balboa's former opponents' son being trained and continuing the series? On paper you have to admit that idea sounds like a last ditch effort for one of Hollywood's oldest franchises. But then I started hearing who was involved: Michael B. Jordan, director Ryan Coogler (who also directed Jordan in a film I've regretfully missed, Fruitvale Station), and Stallone himself. 

The first trailer hit and I made of mental note of it. I'd be seeing it. 

Early reviews started to trickle in and they were outstanding. Now I really wanted to see it. 

Reviews continued to pour praise on the film. Some predicting it to get a Best Picture nomination. My hype remained, but I now believed it was too high and anticipated to be slightly disappointed. 

Then I saw the film late this afternoon. 

Not only was I not disappointed, my grown expectations were surpassed. I had just witnessed one of the best films of 2015. 

Run, Creed, run!

Training for Expendables 4:
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Creed is a generic boxing tale. There's really no way around saying that and, in my eyes, that's about the only thing against it. I'm a firm believer that generic does not equal boredom and this film will continue to be one of the first defenses I use in that argument. So how does a generic film work so well to completely revitalize a nearly-deceased franchise and get Oscar buzz at the same time? It's Coogler. As the director and screenplay writer, this is his brainchild and it's made with a masterful touch that elevates the material. This feels like a drama, but also a boxing film, while also being a spiritual sequel. It's expertly all woven together without even the blink of an eye and I think many will find the quality surprising. Personally I was blown away by it and it all comes together in an extremely emotional package. There aren't too many surprises to be had, but because the characters are so well created and the film so well crafted, I couldn't help but pretty much lose my s**t in the last fight. And by lose my s**t I mean cry. I wasn't sad....no. They were inspired tears. Tears that were rooting for someone. For something. For Creed. And for that to happen within the span of 133 minutes is both an achievement and an example of movie magic. 

Of course, this all wouldn't be possible without the two main stars. Stallone is the best he's been here in years, possibly his whole career. Despite what we may see in The Expendables films, he's an aged man here and finds his name and legacy slipping to the past. Something that he's comfortable with. But it's a sad thing to watch a hero grip with reality. And Michael B. Jordan continues to be one of the best young actors in Hollywood, capturing the pure spirit and drive and hardships of his character, Adonis Johnson Creed. Their interactions are natural, having a father/son type of feel but more importantly they live these characters and bring them into being. It's Creed and Balboa in the movie, not Jordan and Stallone. And when the film seeks your emotions, that counts for a lot. 

EXACTLY what I look like with my shirt off

Creed could have also simply been a film that had great drama and average, uninspiring boxing scenes. In fact, I think that's what I was most afraid of. Although I'm not an expert in the world of boxing cinema, I think it's safe to say that Creed has some of the best boxing sequences of all time. Throughout the film there are really two "main" ones and both are miraculous in their own right. One is completed in a single take (or at least it appears that way), which I'm not sure has ever been done before in a boxing film. The camera weaves around the ring, the fighters, and the corners, and I couldn't take my eyes off it, especially once I realized it was all seamless. I was blown away. The other fight doesn't use this technique, but is still incredibly well filmed and elicits so much emotion from the hits, the original score, and the script, that I sincerely had no idea why I was crying. This is a beautifully made film both inside and outside the ring. 

Creed is an absolute achievement in film. It sustains a franchise while moving it eons forward, it provides an exciting boxing film, and an emotionally captivating drama. Take it from someone who thought he was overly excited for it; I was blown away and it's a testament to the director's and cast's efforts to make this special. 

It isn't just special. 

It's one of the year's best. 

CONS:

• Generic plot and plot progression. This includes training montages and what not
• Rather unrealistic scenario that sets up the final fight

PROS:

• Fantastic script and screenplay from Coogler who also does an expert job with direction
• Michael B. Jordan has a complex character, one with real pain and challenges, and he gives an amazing performance
• Stallone brings us a different, aging Rocky and commands the screen when he's on it
• Great cinematography, especially in the ring. The single shot boxing match was incredible
• Awesome soundtrack
• Captivating and inspiring. It's original score is fantastic and the character work and camera work make for an emotional experience that I was not expecting
• Stands alone on its own and explains the past where necessary, but doesn't live in it
• Fantastic, classic boxing matches
• A few solid laughs
• Entertaining from start to finish

Rath's Review Score: 9.5/10