Creed

Sylvester Stallone's cinematic alter-ego, The Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa, has enjoyed a long cinematic life. Some might say it's been too long. But in his seventh round, Creed, he sits back and lets new talent call the shots. And it's a winner.

Adonis "Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is a desk worker by day and an underground boxer by night. Donnie is also the illegitimate son of boxing champ Apollo Creed, who died in the ring before he was born. He quits his day-job and heads to Philadelphia to go pro-boxing. His first and last choice for trainer is Rocky himself.

Old and weary, his friends and family either dead or estranged, Rocky doesn't want to get back in the ring. But Donnie's determination wins him over and soon, Rocky gets in his corner. Meanwhile, abrasive boxing champ Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew) is about to go to prison for assault. His managers want Ricky to have one last fight and they think the son of Creed will do. Donnie accepts the challenge. His father's shadow and Rocky's health threaten to derail Donnie.

Director Ryan Coogler goes 2-0 after his first film, Fruitvale Station. The story plays like an updated Rocky, even down to the conclusion. But the cast plays it out with sincerity. From Jordan's determined hero to Bellew's abrasive champ, the characters are well-rounded people. You'll understand and sympathize with them even if you wouldn't in other movies.

The boxing matches are intense and powerful. Although it's PG-13, the film gets downright brutal at fight time. They're masterfully edited by Claudia Castello & Michael P. Shawver, and shot great by cinematographer Maryse Alberti. The makeup effects adds to their impact. Ludwig Göransson's score makes great use of the franchise's signature theme, "Gonna Fly Now." The technical crew in Creed's corner was a great one.

The franchise that started with Rocky is in great hands now. Creed is a great boxing movie and a natural sequel for the Italian Stallion. If they keep the quality up in its own sequels, perhaps the filmmakers won't make moviegoers cringe at the thought of Creed 5 .... million!