CREED (2015)

1/6/2016 - Creed (2015) – 6/10

Solid sports film. A worthy successor to the original series, invigorating the franchise with a satisfying role reversal. An example of a well constructed and well executed reboot, but I can’t say I see where the immense love is coming from. Pretty formulaic Rocky story, with firm emotional roots grown from the originals, that does little unexpected or any less over-the-top.

I liked this film. It did a terrific job of latching on to your emotions and wrapping you up in the action. The direction, especially the way the fight scenes were shot, was quite good. Jordan was strong. Stallone was, at times, really good, but without a firm knowledge base of the complete Rocky story, I am not sure the heart-string tugs would have worked so well.

Perhaps it was all about expectations; having a less-than-thrilling reboot of a fallen franchise that was adequately handled – let’s worship its feet. Not me. It was good, but I did not see the greatness that is being gushed about. Comparing it to a similar film like 2011’s Warrior, which was pretty unheralded, and I personally don’t think it holds a candle to it… Who knows. I liked it but it wasn’t too much above average. Perhaps this hater is just gonna hate.