Watch CBS News

Creed Is A Surefire Winner, And For Any Boxing Fan, A Must See

DETROIT (WWJ) - Creed delivers a knockout punch! The first film in what's sure to become a series of follow-ups to the highly-successful "Rocky" film franchise is a surefire winner -- and for any boxing fan, it's a must see!

As a fan of the Rocky films, I found a lot to like about Creed. For one, if you've seen Michael B. Jordan lately (hint: you can see him in the film's trailer), you'll know what I mean. From those toned biceps to those super-tight abs and his convincing performance, there is definitely plenty to look at; I mean, admire. And, let me add that since he's starring as a boxer who spends the majority of his time in the gym, he's got plenty of company; if you know what I mean.

But, let's switch gears before things get too hot and steamy.

While Michael B. Jordan is certainly no slouch in the acting department, I was also anxious to see Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as Rocky Balboa, the role that made him famous.

In "Creed," Jordan stars as Adonis Johnson, the son of World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed, who was Rocky's best friend. Adonis doesn't start out as a boxer, but considering his lineage, he gravitates toward it. And once he's made up his mind to become a fighter, it's on! He heads to the City of Brotherly Love, looking for Rocky, whom he believes is just the person he needs to help him realize his dream.

As for Rocky, he's not even thinking about a return to boxing. He's living a comfortable life as the former champ and current owner of a little Italian restaurant, that's doing just fine. Adonis tracks him down, hoping to convince him to become his trainer.

Once in the ring, Adonis faces some of his toughest challengers, including "Pretty" Ricky Conlan, portrayed by former three-time ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellow. And Adonis has to decide if - considering what's at stake - pursuing a career as a professional boxer is something he really wants to do.

But, don't think for one minute that this movie is only about boxing. It's about a whole lot of things, including: believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams against all odds. As Adonis puts it:

"A great fighter once said, "It's not about how hard you can hit.
It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

Don't miss "Creed." If you do, you're missing the start of something good; really good.

Rated PG-13.  Directed by Ryan Coogler from a screenplay he wrote with Aaron Covington.

See you at the movies!

Be sure to tune in to WWJ Newsradio 950 every Friday for my weekly look at the movies with Midday Anchor Jackie Paige.

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.