Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Creed (2015)

What is it about? 

Adonis Johnson, son of former World Champ Apollo Creed, seeks out his dad's long-time rival and friend, Rocky Balboa, to train him and help him become a professional boxer. 

Who is in it? 

Michael B. Jordan - Adonis Johnson

Sylvester Stallone - Rocky Balboa

Favorite Scene: 

After arrogantly walking into a gym in LA and knocking out the first person he fought, Johnson is dropped by an experienced fighter in a scene where the camera falls and hits the mat as he does. 

Favorite Quote: 

"You can't learn anything when you're talking. That's a fact of life. As long as you're talking, you're not listening."

Review: 

I'm completely torn on Creed. On one hand, I am very impressed in how Writer and Director, Ryan Coogler and the way the story of Rocky will continue in a new and modern age. On the other hand, I'm just ready for the story of Rocky to just be. Like, just let it live on it's own. 

In my opinion, Creed just feels like the original Rocky. And of course, with a sequel coming, it feels like we are going down the road of a series that is building off of Rocky, and simply, just replaying it. I hope I am wrong, but for now, that's where I am on this. 

As for the good stuff, Creed is shot tremendously well. Everything about the cinematography, the camera angles, the modern feel of the underdog story, is simply tremendous. The boxing in the film feels 100 times more authentic than every part of the Rock series that was allergic to blocking. 

And of course, Michael B. Jordan was absolutely fantastic. And I was a big fan of Rocky keeping his classic "Rocky-isms" and one-liners in the film. 

All in all, I wasn't blown away by Creed, and it doesn't feel like a boxing film that moves away from the easy-to-fall-into hole of feeling like Rocky. Regardless, it's a very good moving visually, and still very entertaining. 

Grade: 3/5

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se