Creed (2015)

Ryan Coogler, director of the fantastic Fruitvale Station back in 2013 and set to helm Marvel's Black Panther, gives us yet another astonishing sight to behold. The story of the famous Apollo Creed's son, Adonis.

Creed follows the story of young Donnie, who has spent his childhood in prison without knowing who his real father was. As the story progresses, Adonis learns that his father was Apollo Creed, one of the best athletes to step into a boxing ring. Continuing to follow his legacy, Donnie meets with the infamous Rocky Balboa, who teaches him step by step to become like his father.

First of all, Michael B. Jordan was absolutely fantastic in this role. How he got snubbed for an oscar is beyond me. He brings the cocky, yet subtle side to Adonis like Apollo in the Rocky films, and executed every emotion perfectly. Since i saw him in his early days as Wallace in The Wire, and seeing him as Oscar Grant in the Coogler directed Fruitvale Station, he really impressed me. And its inevitable to see here, that from strength to strength, he has become one of the best black actors of our time.

Sly Stallone also snubbed for an Oscar, played one of the greatest performances in a supporting role I've ever seen. An emotionally gripping portrayal is what earned him the nomination. In the distressing scenes in Creed, you could very much connect to both Michael B. Jordan and Stallone. Chemistry is key most of the time in a film like this, and it payed off big time.

Tony Bellew, playing the role of Pretty Ricky Conlan in Creed, also gave a great performance. Being a local Liverpool lad and seeing some monuments from the North West really hit home. Tessa Thompson also gave a good performance as the singer and love interest Bianca. Like i said with the others, the acting was superb.

Coogler, on the other hand really should have been nominated. For me, this was one of the best films he's made (and that is saying something!). Including songs from 2pac, NAS and Future, Coogler went along with using black artists as his soundtrack, which works so well in his movies. The direction was completely flawless, and how he didn't get the nomination is beyond me.

Overall, Creed was absolutly fantastic, and it's one of the greatest sporting, and greatest movies i have ever seen. Filled with blood, tears and happiness, this was truly the highlight of my year so far.