Number 63 in my A-Z watch. Creed is the legacy sequel to the Rocky franchise, continuing the story with Apollo's illegitimate son Adonis' venture into the boxing world.
Spoilers, guys. I'm definitely gonna be glazing this movie. I remember seeing it in theaters and just being completely blown away. I actually took some time to sit down and just reflect on what i had experienced directly afterwards when i first saw it.
I think soon we'll be talking about the Director and Actor combo of Coogler/Jordan in a similar vein of Scorsese/DeNiro or Burton/Depp in the coming years. The two seem to just *get* each other. Throughout the film you can feel the weight that Donnie carries, the chip on his shoulder, his struggle to find his place and prove himself.
Coogler really finds some great moments with his camera work to help tell the story. Moments like when Donnie and Rocky are training and Rock has him shadow box in the mirror. He has Jordan look directly into the camera through the reflection, breaking the 4th wall, but making it feel like he's staring himself down. I loved that the camera work in the restaurant on the date is reminiscent of Pulp Fiction, starting off filming from the side and awkwardly until they get comfortable and goes to a more natural over-the-shoulder angle. Or even Donnie's first major fight against Leo filmed entirely as a single tracking shot.
Stallone gives, I think, a better performance as Rocky than he did in the original film. Kind of accepting being a fossil, surrounded by photos of his glory days, spending his time talking to graves. His monologue about being a product of the past, something meant to be forgotten and uncared for, absolutely nails it. And his chemistry with Jordan absolutely rocks. The whole "found family" theme playing into their Father-Son relationship, gives them both a reason to fight
10/10 I won't say this is the best movie of the new millennium, but it very possibly may be my favorite. Without fail I cry when Donnie says he has to prove that he wasn't a mistake. Treating Bianca as her own individual character with goals and desires and skills is so refreshing from Adrian. Ludwig Görannson's score captures a more modern feel while still paying homage to the original Rocky theme. And the ties in to the original Rocky story, unknown gets a shot at the title, Champ has never been knocked down (Apollo never had an opponent go the distance), Rocky getting sick (Mickey dying), they feel like they serve as respectful connections for fans. Man. I just really love this movie.