Creed carries on the Balboa story line but starts a few years later and with Apollo Creed's son as the primary protagonist who is trying to find his feet and identity in the world and does so with the help of his trainer and mentor Rocky.The story is gripping and I never once found myself out of it. It continues from one point to another rather seamlessly and the director/writer Ryan Coogler gets huge credit for that. His first film Fruitvale Station was great as well and this one just takes it up a notch. He managed an eclectic mix mix of violent action in the ring to strong emotions out of it. I also liked that there wasn't dwelling on a scene for too long like crying over Rocky's illness and in fact, that served as part of the story mixed with shots of Creed's training. To think Ryan is just 29, I can only imagine the future that lies ahead for him. As I said before, all the scenes and shots fit perfectly and he definitely got the best out of the actors. Sylvester Stallone was amazing and he definitely deserves his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He embodies Rocky as his own. but I was even more enthralled by Michael B Jordan who continues to impress me (except perhaps in Fantastic Four). He was the lead in the movie and he carried the movie exceptionally.
I also liked the general look of the movie. It had a old-time feel and a very different look from the movies I see today. Perhaps, its the feel of the Rocky movies that the director wanted to keep. I did not quite get the involvement of Everton football club in the movie. I know Sylvester is a big fan of them but just felt a bit weird to me. Also, in the final fight the acknowledgement and graciousness in victory of Conlan felt a little out of place especially considering his anger before the fight. Maybe the boxers are like that in real life but that is how I felt.
These type of movies do inspire me. The quote holds true in real life I believe:
Rocky to Creed:
"You are fighting yourself. He is just in the way. Get him out of the way."