Susan Granger’s review of “Creed” (Warner Bros.)
In his first mainstream movie, writer/director Ryan Coogler (“Fruitvale Station”) has not only revived “Rocky” nostalgia but also introduced an entirely new character: Adonis (“Donnie”) Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), son of legendary boxing champion Apollo Creed.
Born out of wedlock to a mother who died, then shuffled through foster care and juvenile detention, adolescent Adonis is adopted by Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), who knows he’s her late husband’s illegitimate son.
Raised and educated in L.A.’s posh Baldwin Hills, Donnie lands a cushy corporate job but spends weekends prize-fighting in Tijuana – until he goes to Philadelphia to track down his father’s fabled nemesis/friend, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone).
Still tending Adrian’s restaurant (named after his late wife), Rocky is reluctant at first but soon relents, patiently teaching and training Donnie. Problem is: Donnie’s determined to use his own name, which turns off ambitious promoters.
“Every move that I make, every punch that I throw, everybody’s gonna compare me to him,” he admits. “I’m afraid of taking on the name and losing.”
Meanwhile, Donnie hooks up with Bianca (Tessa Thompson), a lovely singer/songwriter who is gradually going deaf. Aging, avuncular Rocky develops a warm relationship with her as well, as the plot propels toward a major match with Britain’s cocky Ricky Conlan (ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellew).
What’s extraordinary are the subtle choices that storyteller Ryan Coogler skillfully makes, along with co-writer Aaron Covington, delving into the lengths a man would go to in order to connect with the father he never knew. There’s skepticism but not cynicism, as the multi-layered characters deal with life’s challenges in his/her own way.
Cinematographer Maryse Alberti (“The Wrestler”) has become a pugilistic expert, making each match exciting. And Ludwig Goransson’s integrated hip-hop/orchestral score is an important element – with Coogler cleverly saving Bill Conti’s iconic “Rocky” theme for a crucial, climactic moment.
Yet it’s Sylvester Stallone who delivers the most stunning surprise. Slipping into Burgess Meredith mode, he’s both forceful and fragile. As of now, he’s my top pick for 2015’s Best Supporting Actor.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Creed” is a crowd-pleasing 9. Albeit familiar, this redemptive spinoff could even be an Oscar contender. Wouldn’t that be a knockout punch?
