Movie Review: ‘Creed’ – Stallone Still Climbing Those Steps

Creed 1CREED

PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality | In Theaters 11/25 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Official Site

That Sylvester Stallone. It’s not just that he’s managed to make an entire career out of a film franchise (or several), but that the “Rocky” movies are all really good. He’s not just pushing them out there into the world; there’s a lot of thought and care that goes into this franchise, including a few comical scenes in this one about the aging fighter.

Stallone is no spring chick, but Michael B. Jordan is. He plays Adonis Johnson, son of Apollo Creed, who of course battled it out in the ring with Rocky and who died before Adonis was born.

But boxing is in the kid’s blood, so he heads to Philadelphia to track down Rocky and ask him to be his trainer. Rocky, who now runs a restaurant called “Adrian’s,” is out of the fight game, but agrees to train the young fighter. As with most sports movies, this one leads up to the “big fight” with a worthy opponent.

It’s been amazing to watch Stallone’s career progress from when he filmed “Rocky” in 1976 (39 years ago!) to now. He’s still in the game, still making great movies, and still climbing those steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, albeit a bit slower.

Directed by Ryan Coogler (who also helmed Jordan’s breakout film “Fruitvale Station”), “Creed” also stars Tessa Thompson as Bianca, a local singer-songwriter who becomes involved with Adonis; Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo’s widow; and English pro boxer and former three-time ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellew as boxing champ “Pretty” Ricky Conlan.

PARENT INFO: Brutal boxing-ring violence includes body blows, face punches, knock-outs and lots of blood. Romance includes some kissing and groping, and language includes “ass,” “sh-t” and one “f-ck.”

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Images in this feature used courtesy of the studios and distributors.

Comments

One response to “Movie Review: ‘Creed’ – Stallone Still Climbing Those Steps”

  1. Lisa Ballinger Avatar

    Great review, never having seen many of the Rocky movies myself, I really enjoyed Creed. Well worth a watch if you’re going to the movies this weekend.

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