“If I can change,” Balboa bellows, “And you can change, everybody can change”. Various moments echo the tensions between the US and USSR but the film wisely ends with an impactful speech, as the eponymous hero abandons glory to espouse the virtues of goodwill and harmony under one banner. The narrative beats overshadow the character ones, giving a despairing and disquiet montage scene that shows the central character lifting logs in the snow-laden mountains. The film is clotted and busy, punctuated by some awful moments of dialogue, but the journey is worth the final scene, and the picture is fundamentally one of growth, both for the narrators and the audiences. The film imbibes the imprints of the 1980s, but perhaps the most bizarre moment comes when a robot butler enters with the sole purpose of entertaining Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law, Paulie (Burt Young): this android appears to offer physical services: a joke of considerable impulse and lack of imagination. His great height, though highlighted by camera angles, was evidently one of the reasons why he was cast, and he towers over Stallone, making him the one formidable threat that makes the hero question himself in the midst of the ring. Maybe classic isn't a stretch.The foil is played, fairly magnificently, by Dolph Lundgren, who seems to capture the essence of silent brooding, taunting his garrulous opponent with a collection of faintly sinister smiles. There were a couple scenes that are "wow" moments, not just fight scenes, which are are amazing, but little scenes that are set up, shot (by Maryse Alberti) and acted that will have a lasting effect on the viewer. Cogler had the fortune and skill to work with people who know what it takes to put together a film that would appeal to critics and audiences alike. Creed is an excellent example of mixing newcomers with established names on both sides of the camera and having the end result come out perfect. Frankly, some of the scenes with Thompson and Jordan are very good and so is their chemistry. The relationship he forges with a local neo- soul artist played by Tessa Thompson (Dear White People) could have been syrupy, but thankfully it doesn't overshadow the main theme or feel forced. Cogler's team decided Creed should have a love interest. But he's not all fierce competitor, he has funny, sensitive sides as well. He also trained and bulked up for the role. He imbues his character with just the right amount of bravado, not cockiness, just confidence, hunger, and drive. As Creed, Jordan's performance is on part with Stallone's. In Creed, director and writer Ryan Cogler is reunited with Jordan. One scene is indicative when Creed takes a picture on his phone of Rocky's workout routine then tells him it's "in the cloud" to Rocky's bewilderment. The right combination of old school and new school. The dynamic between his character and Creed is perfect. Although he didn't write the screenplay for Creed, he is one of the producers and his presence is felt. Stallone is excellent as the "Mickey"-esque Balboa. Once Rocky begrudgingly gives in, things begin to coalesce. He pulls every angle to get Rocky to help him since his pop and Rocky were combatants and close friends before he died. His search lands him in his father's old Philly stomping ground, where he pester's one Rocky Balboa (Stallone) into training him. He can fight, but he's raw and needs refinement if he's going to be taken seriously. Without giving anything away, he's the son of the late, great Apollo Creed and he sets out to find any trainer willing to take him on. Jordan (Fruitvale Station), plays the titular character (using the name Donnie Johnson) who yearns to exorcise his demons/ follow his dreams in the boxing ring. This is not a comparison piece, but Creed is what the earlier release this year of Southpaw could have been a gritty, modern day boxing film. There are scenes, tempo, performances, music, and of course the setting (Philadelphia) which harken back to the award winning 1976 film. But it is close in terms of look and feel. Maybe not a classic, because only time will tell. If you have watched the original Rocky and think it is a near classic, then Creed is close.
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