The story of Adonis Johnson serves as a parable, displaying the struggles of life.  Throughout Creed, both Adonis and Rocky fight back after life knocks them down time and time again.

Beginning in Los Angeles, Adonis Johnson aspires to rise up the ranks, becoming a successful fighter, making a name for himself.  Through his journey, Adonis fights his way through life, in and out of the ring.  Moving to Philadelphia, against the wishes of his mother, he risks everything, quitting his job after a recent promotion.  Once in Philly, Adonis seeks help from boxing icon Rocky Balboa. Discovering Adonis’s remarkable secret, Rocky takes Adonis under his wing, guiding him through his many battles ahead. Unknown to everyone but Rocky and his immediate family, Adonis Johnson, is actually a Creed.  Apollo Creed, Adonis’s father, was one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport.  Big things are expected of Adonis, as being a Creed in the boxing world is a big deal.  Having a name like Creed, is both a blessing and a curse.  Adonis had chose to go by “Johnson”, so he could make a name for himself.  He didn’t wish to ride the coattails of his father’s legacy.  Adonis becomes known to the majority of the sports world after winning several petty fights south of the border in Mexico.  Adonis begins receiving opportunities to fight more professional opponents, but Adonis continues to train.  Everyone who steps into the rings dreams of defeating a Creed.  Moving in with Rocky, the two men grow close, building a bond like no other.  Behind closed doors, both Adonis and Rocky fight to defeat challenges ahead of them.  As Rocky fights his newly discovered battle with cancer, Adonis is trying to prove that he is not a mistake.  After months of training, Adonis, with the guidance of Rocky, agrees to fight.  Adonis’s opponent: the number one pound-for-pound boxer on the planet, Pretty Boy Ricky Conlan.  The fights that the young Creed had previously won are in no comparison to what the match ahead of him will hold. Traveling to Liverpool, England the duo prepare to be the main event.  Staring fear directly in the eyes, Adonis prepares to bring the fight to the hometown hero, Ricky Conlan.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed packs a punch having fans of all ages rooting for a victory.  Michael B. Jordan, playing Adonis Creed, keeps the audience’s eyes fixated on the screen through the entirety of the film.  Sylvester Stallone, playing Rocky Balboa,  takes on his role as the retired champ, providing wisdom to his younger prodigy.  The two make up an incredible tandem creating a believable, heartfelt story.

    Creed wraps up the “Rocky” franchise perfectly, as the once young Rocky turns the tables, mentoring and training the son of one of his most fierce competitors. Providing a bitter, yet sweet ending for “Rocky” fans, Creed brings out the fighter in all of us.