“Creed” packs plenty of punch - East Idaho News
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“Creed” packs plenty of punch

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“Rocky” is one of those old-school movie franchises that the studios just can’t seem to let die. The first film debuted way back in 1976, and, with the exception of a drought of “Rocky” flicks during the early 1990s to 2006, films have continued to emerge every couple of years ever since. And if all of them were even half as good as “Creed,” I’d sell all my “Star Wars” and “Avengers” gear and just be a full-time “Rocky” fan.

“Creed” is a “Rocky” spinoff in that it tells the story of a character we’ve not met before. But it’s also a sequel in that it adds to the Rocky Balboa tale. The story focuses on Adonis “Donny” Johnson (Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed and a wannabe boxer who quits his cushy corporate job and heads to Philadelphia to train to be a fighter. He enlists the help of Rocky (Sylvester Stallone), and old adversary-turned-friend of his father.

Donny and Rocky grow closer as Donny trains, and before too long, an opportunity to fight the top boxer in the world comes along. Donny sees the chance to make a name for himself and get his career off the ground. But is he ready?

There are also a few subplots, one involving a pretty singer, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), but that’s basically the whole story. It’s more about how the relationship between Donny and Rocky grows and develops. The rest is just gravy.

A story like this, whether it be about friends, lovers or enemies, needs solid acting to work. And “Creed” has some fantastic acting. I’ve never been Jordan’s biggest fan, but he is terrific as Donny. You always sense his anger bubbling up from deep inside him, and Donny is a character that needs that. But Jordan also shows warmth, humor and vulnerability when he needs to. The bottom line: Thanks to this performance, Jordan is completely forgiven for his role in that crappy “Fantastic 4” movie.

Stallone is outstanding as well. His character is full of wisdom and regret. Stallone gives a pretty quiet performance, but he more than holds his own. He and Jordan work perfectly together, and I’m hoping we get to see these two on screen together again soon.

“Creed” is directed by Ryan Coogler (“Fruitvale Station”), a guy who knows how to capture quiet, intimate moments. The way he stages dialogue scenes is every bit as impressive as the fight scenes. And there’s a fight scene that appears to to be captured in one unedited take. That’s impressive, but it has nothing on some of the powerful scenes between Donny and Rocky.

There are a few flaws that keep “Creed” from being perfect. It’s pretty predictable. Some of the side plots seem to distract from the main story a little. But these are pretty insignificant flaws, when compared to the great acting, sturdy direction and rock-solid writing.

“Creed” is a tale about building your own name and identity. It’s about friendship, love and regret. It has some killer action sequences and some pretty funny moments too. And it features two of the better acting performances you’ll find in big studio movies this year. It’s got a little something for everybody. Unless you like ballet-dancing hippos. But everybody else is covered.

4 Indy Fedoras out of 5

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Thanks to Fat Cats in Rexburg for providing screenings for movie reviews on EastIdahoNews.com.

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