Creed (3/1/2016)

Rated PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality.

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson

Directed by Ryan Coogler

It’s been almost 40 years and this franchise is still going strong.

Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an oppo-nent more deadly than any he faced in the ring. With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?

If you have seen the Rocky movies…and it’s best to just pretend you have…you know exactly what to expect with Creed. Of course you have Sylvester Stallone, an endearing romance between a young fighter and a woman from the neighborhood, the inspirational training montages and the classic underdog overcoming overwhelming odds. But Creed also offers a fresh take on an old formula.

Speaking of the old formula, it’s worth remembering that the original Rocky is a truly great film…in fact it’s an Oscar winning film. The reality is a series of over-the-top sequels have overshadowed that first film’s greatness. I mean we watched Rocky fight Hulk Hogan, Mr. T and a Russian named Ivan Drago and they became guilty pleasures.

But Creed returns to greatness as it brings the iconic character back to the big screen. Rocky is the retired champ who is now the owner of an Italian restaurant. Ado-nis (or “Don”) is the forgotten son of a superstar whose father died at a young age. Syl-vester Stallone IS Rocky and continues to do what only he can. Michael B. Jordan plays the role with a real-world tough guy approach that reminded me of Stallone in his early days.

One of the things that made the Rocky films so memorable were the incredible fight scenes. The punches, the blood and the knockouts had us cheering, ducking and even crying. Don’t pretend you didn’t cry when Apollo Creed died. Well Creed brings that same kind of energy…in fact Adonis’s first fight is performed in one take…yes one take! Amazing!

Director, Ryan Coogler does a great job of telling this new story while paying homage to the Rocky series. There are several referencing to the greatest and corniest moments like chasing chickens in the backyard and Rocky and Apollo’s secret final fight.

If you are a fan of the Rocky films, you owe it to yourself to see Creed…it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity shown and only F-word with a few other mild profanities. There are also several scenes of boxing violence that are unsuitable for younger view-ers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would your describe Adonis’ training?


2. Was his training effective? Did he fail?


3. What kind of spiritual training have you experienced? Was it effective?


4. How do you overcome failure?

Be encouraged by Philippians 1:6

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.