Creed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Apollo Creed’s secret love child becomes a boxer, gets Rocky as his coach, and then basically does the first Rocky movie all over again, but with more emotional baggage and fewer stairs.

🍿 Creed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adonis’s Troubled Youth

Adonis Johnson, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, spends his early years in and out of juvenile detention centers. Apollo Creed’s widow, Mary Anne, takes him in and provides him with a stable and privileged life. Despite this, Adonis is drawn to fighting, a path his adoptive mother vehemently opposes due to the tragic circumstances of Apollo’s death in the ring.

Leaving a Corporate Career

Despite a promising career in a securities firm, Adonis feels unfulfilled and decides to pursue boxing professionally. He travels to Los Angeles, seeking training at an elite boxing academy, but is turned down after a humbling defeat. Undeterred, he sets his sights on Philadelphia, hoping to connect with his father’s former rival and friend, Rocky Balboa.

Rocky Agrees to Train Adonis

Adonis tracks down Rocky at his restaurant, Adrian’s, and asks him to become his trainer. Initially reluctant to return to the world of boxing, Rocky eventually agrees to mentor Adonis. Together, they begin training at the Front Street Gym, and Adonis starts a relationship with Bianca, an up-and-coming singer dealing with progressive hearing loss. This section explores their bond and the unique challenges they face.

Championship Opportunity Arises

As Adonis gains recognition, word spreads about his lineage. This attracts the attention of Ricky Conlan’s camp, the world light heavyweight champion. Facing an impending prison sentence, Conlan offers Adonis a title shot, provided he fights under the Creed name. Adonis, initially hesitant, agrees, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan): The determined son of Apollo Creed who seeks to establish his own boxing legacy with the help of Rocky Balboa.
• Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone): The former heavyweight champion mentors Adonis while battling his own personal struggles with mortality and loss.
• Bianca (Tessa Thompson): A talented singer with progressive hearing loss who becomes Adonis’s girlfriend and provides emotional support.
• Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad): Apollo Creed’s widow who takes in and raises Adonis, supporting him despite her reservations about his boxing career.
• ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew): The reigning light heavyweight champion who becomes Adonis’s formidable opponent in a climactic title fight.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rocky: “Time takes everybody out. Time’s undefeated.” – Rocky explains the inevitability of aging and decline, reflecting on his own life and mortality.
• Adonis: “I’m nothin’ without you, Rock. I’m nothin’.” – Adonis expresses his gratitude and dependence on Rocky’s guidance and support.
• Rocky: “One step at a time. One punch at a time. One round at a time.” – Rocky provides simple but profound advice to Adonis, emphasizing focus and perseverance.
• Rocky: “You see this guy here? That’s your toughest opponent. Every time you get in the ring, he’s gonna be there. And if you beat him, then you know you’re ready.” – Rocky explains that Adonis’s biggest obstacle is himself and his own self-doubt.
• Bianca: “Why do you call him Champ?” – Bianca asks Adonis why he refers to Rocky as Champ, highlighting Rocky’s iconic status.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $109,778,883
• Worldwide Gross: $174,178,883

💥 Creed Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Creed expecting a decent Rocky spin-off, but I was blown away. Michael B. Jordan is incredible, and Stallone gives a performance of a lifetime, the scene with the picture of his real-life son Sage really hit me hard. The fight scenes are brutal and real; I felt every punch. It made me want to run up those steps in Philly and conquer my own goals. Definitely one of the best sports movies I’ve seen in years! The soundtrack is also fire!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Rocky franchise”
  • “Boxing enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy inspirational sports dramas”
  • “Those seeking stories about overcoming adversity and personal growth”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense boxing violence”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Themes of illness and mortality”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Creed transcends franchise expectations with its powerful performances, authentic boxing sequences, and a surprisingly poignant story that honors the Rocky legacy while forging its own path.
• Rolling Stone: “Michael B. Jordan delivers a career-defining performance as Adonis Creed, and Stallone is simply magnificent. The fight choreography is visceral and immersive, placing you right in the ring.
• Variety: “Ryan Coogler’s direction infuses the familiar Rocky formula with fresh energy and emotional depth. The film excels in its exploration of legacy, identity, and the universal struggle for self-discovery.

Audience Reactions

Michael B. Jordan’s performance as Adonis Creed was phenomenal and emotionally compelling.: Viewers consistently praise the outstanding performances of the lead actors and the film’s ability to capture the spirit of the original Rocky movies.

The single-take boxing scene was an absolute visual masterpiece!: Realistic and heart-pounding boxing sequences. It’s raw and intense.

Overall Consensus: Creed is a critically acclaimed and fan-loved continuation of the Rocky franchise, lauded for its strong performances, emotional depth, and revitalization of the classic boxing story.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sylvester Stallone received his second Academy Award nomination for playing Rocky Balboa in Creed, nearly 40 years after his first nomination for the same role in Rocky (1976).”
• “Director Ryan Coogler insisted on filming the boxing matches as realistically as possible, using long takes and minimal cuts to immerse the audience in the action.”
• “During training, Adonis wears a shirt with the message “Why do I wanna fight? Because I can’t sing and dance…” This was a line from Rocky to Adrian on their ice skating date in the first Rocky (1976).”
• “The movie was filmed in Philadelphia and Liverpool, adding authenticity to the respective environments of Rocky and Conlan.”

🖥️ How to Watch Creed?

Creed is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it may be available for rent or purchase. It is also often available on Apple TV and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability, as these can change. For those who prefer physical copies, Creed is available on Blu-ray and DVD at most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Creed, you might like these similar films:

• Rocky (1976): The original boxing underdog story that laid the foundation for Creed, sharing similar themes of struggle, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
• Warrior (2011): Features estranged brothers competing in an MMA tournament, exploring themes of family, redemption, and the raw physicality of combat sports.
• Southpaw (2015): A boxer battles personal tragedy and career setbacks, mirroring the resilience and emotional depth found in Creed.
• The Fighter (2010): Based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward and his half-brother, highlighting themes of family, loyalty, and overcoming adversity in the world of boxing.
• Million Dollar Baby (2004): Explores the complex relationship between a female boxer and her trainer, delving into themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the sport.

🛒 Creed Related Products

• Creed (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the film’s powerful music, blending classic Rocky themes with modern hip-hop, available for digital download.
• Creed Movie Poster: High-quality print poster of the official movie artwork, perfect for displaying your love for the franchise.
• Rocky: The Complete Saga (Blu-ray): Own the entire Rocky saga, including Creed, in stunning high definition, perfect for die-hard fans and collectors.
• Creed III (Steelbook) [4K Ultra HD]: Own the third Creed installment in 4K!

🎧 Soundtrack

Creed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gonna Fly Now” – performed by Bill Conti
• “Lord Knows” – performed by Meek Mill ft. Tory Lanez
• “Fighting Stronger” – performed by Jhené Aiko

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Creed: Real Men Cry (A Lot…) | Video Essay

Dive into the heart of Creed through this thought-provoking video essay that examines the movie’s powerful portrayal of masculinity and the complexities of father-son relationships. Get ready to explore the emotional depth of this boxing drama!

Every Rocky and Creed Movie in 3 Minutes | ArcadeCloud

Get ready for a cinematic marathon! This 3-minute video will take you on a whirlwind tour of every Rocky and Creed movie, capturing the essence of the entire franchise in a fast-paced and entertaining way. It’s a perfect way to refresh your memory or introduce the series to a friend.

The Lover Within | How Moonlight Relates to ALL Men

masculinity in movies just got a whole lot deeper! This video essay takes Moonlight as a starting point and weaves a fascinating web of connections to other films, including Creed. Get ready to explore the complexities of male identity and relationships through the lens of cinema.

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