"Creed" is a brilliant way to continue Rocky and pass the torch. I loved seeing Michael B. Jordan evolve from a character on "All My Children" to Johnny Storm in "Fantastic Four" to a megawatt superstar. When the camera is on him his charisma keeps you wanting to know what happens next. I am assuming that's partly due to Ryan Coogler (Michael's "Fruitvale Station" director) knowing him so well. Sylvester Stallone is definitely show signs of aging, but like Rocky he's not totally out of the game.
Not giving away spoilers, but you know how it ends. I give this 4 stars out of 5 with 1 star because it's never explained WHY Adonis fights. It's not good enough that it's in his blood because he says a billion times he's more than Apollo Creed's son. No I need a hard factual reason why not just cuz he's the son of a boxing legend. If it had that answer (which is out of Michael's control) then it'd be 5 stars.
I'm going on record and saying this will be Michael's first Oscar nod. He can fight, cry, and make you root for him in one scene. He's a legit actor, but I still think Eddie Redmayne has this locked down with "The Danish Girl." I think the winner of the Oscar should be a fearless actor who will do anything to themselves emotionally or physically for a role. Michael worked out and got into the mindset, but Eddie is playing a role NO ONE wants to play even after Jared Leto's Oscar winning transgender role. Sorry Mikey, this Oscar ain't yours. But you'll get there...(under breath) You shoulda gotten the nod for "Fruitvale Station."