Creed – An extraordinary sequel to Rocky that fans will love
From start to finish, this film does homage to Rocky Balboa in a masterful execution. Adonis Johnson is the son of the famous boxing champion Apollo Creed, who died in a boxing match in Rocky IV (1985). Adonis wasn’t born until after his father’s death and wants to follow his fathers footsteps in boxing. He seeks a mentor who is the former heavyweight boxing champion and former friend of Apollo Creed, the retired Rocky Balboa. Rocky eventually agrees to mentor Adonis and the rest is history. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harmony M. comments, “Creed is delightfully entertaining and beautifully developed…The film starts out amazingly entertaining and engaging within the first few minutes.” See her full review below.
Creed
By Harmony M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Creed is delightfully entertaining and beautifully developed. The film brings the iconic Rocky Balboa back to life after about 40 years. The film is about the son of famous boxer Apollo Creed whose path leads him to a passionate desire to box. Upon finding out that he actually had a father who is, in fact, Apollo Creed, he goes to the only person that can help train him to live up to his father’s name. That person is Rocky Balboa.
The film starts out amazingly entertaining and engaging within the first few minutes. The movie starts by showing us the kid’s moral background which is really refreshing considering that most movies overstretch the beginning and bore their audience with “when is the movie really going to start?” That alone really establishes the film’s great quality because it develops by showing, not telling and captures the audience immediately with the background information without needing a long introduction to describe it.
Spin-off movies are quite risky. The original film has already set expectations and often, spin-offs can ruin the original film for people. Director Ryan Coogler directs this spin-off of Rocky, leaving all the fans content with the continued legacy. Ryan Coogler beautifully creates a funny, emotional and inspiring film full of amazing qualities.
The acting by Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan is brilliant and natural, making me feel connected to their characters fairly quickly. The makeup department includes special effects makeup artist Leo Corey Castellano who creates amazingly realistic boxing wounds. It is so realistic that it is the first vivid visual that comes to my mind when I think about that film.
I am personally not a fan of sports movies but I definitely recommend this film to people of all interests because the story is so touching. The story and moral messages revolve around the idea that “your legacy is more than your name.” The movie demonstrates how hard work and determination to fulfill your passion can create exactly the legacy you so desire. You can be the legend you want to be.
I recommend this film for kids age 13 to 18. I do not recommend this for children under the age of 13 due to disturbing visuals, sexual actions and violent behavior. I give this film a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is in theaters now so, be sure to check it out.
Creed
By Tre’ana H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Creed is a film that sucks you right in, especially when you see a young child in the justice system. It makes you wonder why? Where is the parent? I like this film because Adonis Johnson, the protagonist (Michael B. Jordan) is self determined to fulfill his dream. I connected with him because I can relate to his desire to fulfill and accomplish a goal. The film is a blend of drama, thriller, sports and romance. The director, Ryan Coogler ties this film to Philadelphia which is known as the City of Brotherly Love and known as the home of the other Rocky Balboa movies. I like the how he draws in Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in this film and the relationship he develops with Adonis throughout all the twists and turns in the script. He creates a suspenseful filled film that leads up to the ending.
This film takes place in Philadelphia where former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson. He is the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed. His step-mother Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad) visits him in the juvenile detention center and offers him a prominent life to with a promising future. Does Adonis Johnson disappoint her? I can’t say any more. It is a must see and I promise that you will not be disappointed.
My favorite part of this film is when Rocky is writing down the notes for Adonis to improve his training. When he finishes the notes Adonis takes a picture of it on his phone and as he walks away, Rocky points out that he left the notes. He tells Rocky that he’s got it on his phone and Rocky asks, “What if your phone breaks?” Adonis says, “It’s saved in the cloud!” Rocky really thinks he means a real cloud in the sky and looks up. It is so hilarious because Adonis is, of course, talking about the cyber cloud. The whole entire audience laughs out loud.
The message of the film is stay determined to fulfill your dreams and don’t never give up.
I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and give it 5 out of 5 stars because it is an excellent film to watch and you will definitely find it entertaining, especially those peo9ple from my hometown city of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
This movie is in theaters now so, go check it out.
