This is our first real look at Ryan Coogler’s ROCKY sequel/update, CREED, and the first thing that jumps out is how cool they’re playing it with the original property. Sly doesn’t show up until well into this trailer, with the first minute-and-a-half being dedicated to setting up this story about a young, ambitious Philadelphia boxer without any connection to Apollo or Rocky.
As much as I loved FRUITVALE STATION (which is a lot), I have to admit that seeing the character of Rocky again is what gave me the biggest charge I got out of this trailer, as I’ll assume will be the case for most of you. Stallone's character has a certain relationship with pop culture that is beyond even something like Arnold's TERMINATOR; there's a palpable emotional connection between people and the character, and despite ROCKY V, Sly has done a good job of keeping the fires of all the ROCKY love out there stoked. In fact, the idea that this is ROCKY VII seems way more exciting than this story about a young hotshot trying to escape his father's shadow.
The bulk of the imagery recalls the original film, the contemporary Philly-set ROCKY BALBOA, and even a little of THE WIRE (possibly in part due to Jordan and the quick appearance by Wood Harris), as well as other fight dramas. In fact, this trailer makes it seem almost like a remake of the original, which of course it can’t be due to Creed Jr.’s privileged upbringing and the legacy of his father. There definitely seems to be an effort being made to sell this to “urban” audiences, but aside from the novelty of seeing Rocky in the mentor/trainer role, I’m not seeing much here that feels new or fresh.
Then again, the FRUITVALE STATION trailer didn’t exactly blow my socks off, and perhaps that was the point, both then and now: to play it naturalistic, like “a day in the life” kinda thing, to make the extraordinary stuff stick out in a way that doesn’t feel clean and safe. I certainly can't imagine Coogler's climactic bout will feature anything akin to the James Brown performance from ROCKY IV, can you?
But I’m with those of you who woulda seen this if the trailer blew dogs for quarters. I love Rocky Balboa. If Sly’s in, I’m buyin’ whatever they’re sellin’.
I’m thinking those rumors about Rock’s fate are true…that last monologue sounds decidedly like a eulogy, no? Perhaps misdirection…?
CREED goes the distance like HERCULES on November 25th.
