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Creed is a Worthy Entry in the Rocky Mythos

Finally saw "#Creed," and I have to say the hype is real. Off top, Stallone is better than he has been in decades, basically because the slurring, stumbling boxer from Philly with the heart of a lion has always been his most honest character. Then there's Michael B. Jordan... delivering a performance that erases the Fantastic Four from the public consciousness. He's ferocious here, battling the demons of his troubled childhood and completely absent father.
Creed's widow, played with quiet dignity by Phylicia Rashad, plucks Adonis Johnson from the foster care system and raises him in all the wealth and privilege that her late husband could afford. I'm betting that it was screenwriter/director Coogler's idea to have Creed's widow balling out. Compared to Rocky's life, the difference in material comfort is significant.
Yet, this pampered life is not for him. As a youth, "Donnie" had a hair-trigger and solid hands in fights. Even as he triumphs in financial services by day, he's travels to Mexico to compete in underground boxing matches and racks up an 15-0 record. His life is calling him in a new direction. That choice sets up the remainder of the film... His inevitable meeting (and subsequent training) with his "Unc", Rocky Balboa.... His tender relationship with Philly-born Bianca, an aspiring vocalist who is slowly going deaf (much better here than in the disappointing "Dear White People")... and, of course, his struggle against the ghost of his legendary father (seen here only in photos from his past fights).
One of the amazing things about the third act conflict is that you can't tell what will finally happen. This is a ROCKY film after all. It could easily go either way. When the Rocky theme swells in the final minutes, the tension is physical. Will the newbie Creed topple the reigning world champ? Will he fall to the physical punishment that killed his father? Who will rise as the final bell rings?
Stop reading this and go see "Creed" to find out.

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