What's In A Name? "Creed"

Creed  (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

Directed by Ryan Coogler

The Story:

Adonis Johnson (Jordan) is a boxer with a desire to win. He also happens to be the son of the late Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Which means, he's sorta drawn to an old run-down champ named Rocky (Stallone). Will Adonis be a chip off the old block, or a chump with no heart?

The very first time I saw the trailer for Creed, I was indifferent and thought, nah, I'll pass.

Then about halfway through the trailer, Stallone popped up and I thought, is that Rocky?

Once I realized it was, my interest was raised and I figured it was worth a shot.

Even though I've only watched one previous Rocky film (Rocky Balboa) I get the gist of the series.

And I was right, it was indeed worth a shot.

Stallone is the heart of the movie as he takes Adonis under his wing to teach him that there is more to boxing than just hitting and getting hit.

He becomes the father Adonis never had and in return gets the son who never really wanted him.

His work in the picture earned him a Best Supporting Actor nod at the Academy Awards which he subsequently lost.

 Stallone was robbed.

I saw the movie, Bridge of Spies, with the performance that he lost to.

No offense, but that performance, while a great, is not at the heart of the entire movie. Take him out of the story completely, Bridge of Spies still works.

Take Rocky out of this film, nobody watches.

Hyperbole, probably, people will watch just about any film to give it a try.

However, without Stallone, there would be no heart and soul to the film, it would just be another film about an athlete who wants to overcome the odds.

Yawn.

We've seen it all a million times.

The wise sage teaching the young upstart.

But when you have Rocky as the master teaching the pupil, you're already emotionally invested in the storyline because you have a history with Rocky Balboa whether you've watched all the films, or even never watched one, you know Rocky.

Everyone knows Rocky.

And that carries some emotional heft to the story and helps transform this film into something bigger than itself.

Final Grade:  Solid B, possibly even a B+

He's Still The Greatest..."Facing Ali"

Facing Ali (2009)

Rated R for language and boxing

Starring George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, Ken Norton, Earnie Shaver, Leon Spinks, Ernie Terrell

Directed by Pete McCormack

The Story:

Arguably the greatest boxer of all time.  Even non-boxing fans know who Muhammad Ali is.  Now, 10 of Ali's fiercest rivals sit down and recount what it was like to go toe to toe with the champ.  Each of them has a unique perspective.  Whether they won or lost... whether they faced him as a newbie or a seasoned veteran, one thing remains the same from all of them.

Respect.

They all loved fighting him, and he brought out the best in each of them.

Given the timeframe, this documentary also tackles each fight in chronological order and gives some historical perspective on the civil rights movement that was gaining momentum as Ali's rise to fame began taking off.

Naturally, as the documentary winds down and they close in on the twilight of Ali's career, most of the boxers agree, whether explicitly or implied, that Ali should have hung up the gloves sooner than he did. 

As Ali is fighting Parkinson's, it's a touching tribute by his former foes to tell Ali's story, from their unique perspectives.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Once was good.  Recommended, especially to any boxing fans.

Let's Get Ready To Rumble Down To The AARP... "Grudge Match"

Grudge Match (2013)

Rated PG-13 for language and violence

Starring Robert DeNiro, Sylvester Stallone, Kim Basinger, Kevin Hart,

Directed by Peter Segal

The Story:

In the 1980s, there were two boxers from Pennsylvania who were rivals for the belt: Billy "The Kid" McDonnen (DeNiro) and Henry "Razor" Sharp (Stallone).  They had two epic encounters, splitting both, however before they could have the third, deciding match, Razor retired from the ring.  Now, 30 years later, promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Hart) is trying to put the two back in the ring to settle the score and enjoy a huge payday for everyone.  Will it happen, or will the old guys die trying?

I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this film.

I wasn't expecting too terribly much, but it was engaging and it seemed like Stallone and DeNiro were having a blast playing off their 80s successes as two stubborn mules who are on a collision course with one another.

I mean, how often do you get to see Rocky vs Raging Bull?

Naturally, part of the reason that Sharp retired was because of a lady (Basinger) who enjoys a complicated relationship between both of the boxers.

However there is more to the retirement than meets the eye...

Alas, I've already said too much!

Rounding out the cast is Kevin Hart as the intentional comic relief as the promoter who is trying to get paid, and to get this bout off the ground.

It's an uphill battle, but he's determined to make it work.

And make it rich!

Give it a shot, I think you'll enjoy it.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: While this won't make the Top 10 list of the year, I would have no problem owning or watching it again in the future.