Creed – Budget of $35 million – 2 hours 13 minutes

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Adonis “Donnie” Creed never knew his father Apollo Creed and was raised in group homes and detention centers.  Once Mary Anne, Apollo’s wife, learns about Apollo’s child with another women, she takes him out of the detention center and raises him as her own.  Although Donnie is intelligent with a bright future in finance, he gives it up for a chance to fight.  After a successful career in a Tijuana ring (billed as Donnie Johnson), Donnie wants to be trained to become a world champ.  He goes to his half brother, a trainer, for help, but his brother won’t train him.  Donnie feels his only option is to go to Philadelphia, tell no one he is a ‘Creed’, and find Rocky to train him.  Rocky only decided to help Donnie, whom Rocky calls a ‘wood pecker’, after he sees Donnie’s spirit and tenacity.  Once Donnie’s origins are realized, it doesn’t take long for him to be challenged by a undefeated boxer who wants to destroy a ‘Creed’.  The boxer offers Donnie a challenge, but only if he uses the ‘Creed’ name.  Both Rocky and Donnie lean on each other to battle for strength, supremacy, and legacy.

Creed is more than “just another Rocky movie”.  The director, Ryan Coogler, ensured this movie could stand on its own.  Seeing Rocky and Rocky II is not necessary to enjoy this film.  The boxing is incredible and Michael B. Jordan pulled his punches magnificently.  Jordan and Stallone are a great pairing and the dialog comes naturally. Each boxer is introduced to the audience without any unnecessary back story or montage.  Each scene is well thought out and needed to move the story along with the proper amount of heart.  And once again, Philadelphia is a character in this movie.  Keeping true to the Rocky legacy.  You will laugh, cringe, and cheer.  Creed is a must see.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

You are you father’s son. He is a part of you, but you don’t have to be him – Mary Anne

One step at a time.  One punch at a time. One round at a time – Rocky

You are still caught in his shadow.  You have to move Donnie – Rocky

You don’t walk around naked, do you? – Adonis

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