'Creed' Review

Nominated For: Best Supporting Actor; Sylvester Stallone.

I finally found time to go see Creed, and can say I was very impressed! I had heard plenty positive buzz, but avoided allowing that to affect my perception. However, I can say I whole-heartingly agree with all of the love for the film.

Creed is the seventh installment in the Rocky franchise that references events from the previous films while managing to invigorate the franchise. It pays homage to the original while viewing it through the lens of more modern filmmaking. Ryan Coogler directs the film and does a phenomenal job. There have been rumors recently that Coogler may be up to direct one of Marvel's upcoming films Black Panther, and I really hope he lands the gig after seeing Creed.

Coogler effectively works with the cinematographer to create some incredible shots. The fighting sequences were very well shot, with one lengthy fight done in one-take to great effect. The very tightly knit camerawork matches the fighting choreography for the film and remains very focused on the action effectively. Coogler utilizes slow motion, POV shots and some very tight frames to really add to the intensity of the action.

The film also takes full advantage of the classical musical score from Rocky subtly inserting it in small doses throughout the film till the training sequence that rivals that of the original while paying homage to that classic scene as well. When the film reaches this training scene that clearly parallels the original classic scene, it no longer holds back. The iconic score and the trumpets begin to blast and it really adds to the experience of the film.

The performances in the film are limited to a few key characters, in particular Jordan and Stallone. Michael B. Jordan brings a feeling of intensity to the film and proves he is very capable as the leading man portraying Adonis Creed.

Sylvester Stallone provides what may just be his best performance ever in revisiting the role of Rocky Balboa. Stallone is able to bring the character back while adding new layers of depth to the character with a new air of sagely wisdom, and gives a performance I think could be deemed worthy for awards consideration.

Tessa Thompson brings a more interesting love interest to be paired with Adonis and had some great chemistry onscreen with Jordan, maintaining a presence for the character with an interesting story.

The film's antagonist is played by real life boxer, Tony "Bomber" Bellow, who is serviceable as the villain, but doesn't really bring anything special or much to the role aside from the intense climactic fight.

Overall, I can say that this is one of the best films I've seen all year! Now, I'm going to give it an A+ and I've done that quite a bit with some of my more recent reviews, but be aware that I do hold this score back and only give it to films that I believe deserve it and earn the rating. I can't recommend this film enough and can say I feel it holds up to Rocky and is just as great if not better!

Film Assessment: A+

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Rocky'

This week I am reviewing two films for my Throwback Thursday Reviews Up and Rocky. This was my first time watching Rocky, although I'd seen some of the more iconic moments before, and I felt it really lived up to all that I had heard about the film. I'm reviewing Rocky because Creed, a spinoff/sequel to the Rocky franchise, comes out this week and I have eagerly anticipated Creed but wanted to watch at least one of the Rocky films and recently got all six Rocky films on Blu-Ray so I will certainly watch the others soon but I don't anticipate reviewing them any time soon as next week I will resume reviewing the Star Wars films next week for my Throwback Thursday reviews picking up with the Original Trilogy in preparation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

'Rocky' Review

Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Director; John G. Avildsen, Best Actor; Sylvester Stallone, Best Actress; Talia Shire, Best Supporting Actor; Burgess Meredith; Burt Young, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Song "Gonna Fly Now" (written by Bill Conti, Carol Connors, and Ayn Robbins).
Won: Best Picture, Best Director; John G. Avildsen, and Best Film Editing.

Rocky is regarded as one of the best films of all time and I can certainly see why it clicked so well with audiences and critics alike. It tells the underdog story of Rocky Balboa who is given an opportunity to box against the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. The film has heart and a sense of realism and may seem bit dated at times but it has such a feel good story that like the character Rocky is able to proves it's worth to the world. Rocky provides one of the greatest iconic training montages of all time that's accompanied by one of the most iconic scores of all time as well. Sylvester Stallone embodies the persona of Rocky and provides a terrific performance. Talia Shire is the perfect romantic interest for Rocky paralleling a Beauty and the Beast (1991) type relationship that works perfectly for the film. I can say that Rocky is now definitely among my favorite films and if you have never seen the film I highly suggest it.

Film Assessment: A+