'Blu-ray or Bust' - CREED

'Blu-ray or Bust'

CREED (2015, PG-13, 133 minutes, MGM/WARNER BROTHERS)

 

There was a point, way back in the '80s, when Rocky Balboa became kind of a…well, screw the pun alerts - he became a punch line.

People like to forget that when the first ROCKY came out in 1976, it was released to such critical acclaim that it won three Oscars, and Sylvester Stallone himself was nominated for Lead Actor and screenwriter awards. He didn’t win, but before you start making any more Rambo or Rocky jokes, let’s just think about that for a moment: Stallone was nominated for writing an original screenplay.

When he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at this last Academy Awards, it was rather surprising when he didn’t win this time around, either. Watch CREED and you’ll understand why.

In this, the seventh installment of the series (but it also works quite well as a stand-alone film), we find the troubled son of Rocky’s former rival and friend looking to define his own place in life. He finds that behind a pair of gloves, naturally, and seeks out the legend to train him. Adonis Johnson, played by the amiable Michael B. Jordan (FRUITVALE STATION, CHRONICLE), makes a strong argument for a follow-up film. He is charismatic, tough, and brings his character full circle. You just know the 'Son of Creed' has a great future, and you want to see more of it.

Writer/director Ryan Coogler is an obvious fan of the source material; he reminds you of the history of Rocky with a patient and loving eye, treating the character with a respectful air—yet also reminding you that this is NOT a Rocky movie. This one is all about Adonis, as Balboa frequently reminds the title character. But Stallone steals the show. While the entire cast (even the real-life boxers used in the film) do a good job, he is the only one that doesn’t seem like he is acting. He is playing a part that he himself created, and it is more than a second skin. His natural delivery, poise, and presence are what defines a splendid supporting actor. He knows when to allow Jordan to take over, even if Jordan seems to be willing to stand aside so Rocky can do his thing.

The special features are worth the watch, as are the twenty minutes of deleted scenes. This is a must on Blu-ray, as the sounds and action are better appreciated in the format. If not for those obvious reasons, there is also Coogler’s nifty camera work. At one point he follows the boxers around the ring, changing perspective periodically, so you see the fight from both sides. It is an invigorating shot, seamless and breath-taking. It also proves how much choreography goes into a film like this; technically speaking, the production level on display here is better than many of the previous ROCKY films.

While there has been no confirmation of a CREED II, I wouldn’t be surprised to see one happen. As long as there is no Drago involved, and the studio doesn’t try to overwhelm us with sequels, Adonis Creed could have a bit more life in him. As for Rocky himself? I think the final scene answers that question. It’s no longer about Rocky, now, is it?

Grade: A

Special Features: B+

Blu-ray Necessary: Most Definitely