Creed

LANDON ***1/2
I'll be the first to admit that I thought the original "Rocky" was a little overrated.  You have some good characters and good inspirational story, but there was an emotional connection that was lacking for me.  "Creed" more than makes up for that.  This is one of the best movies of the year.  Instead of Rocky Balboa, we have the son of Apollo Creed, Adonis Creed, taking the spotlight.  Michael B. Jordan is fantastic as the lead character and brings a lot of heart to his performance.  Sylvester Stallone gives perhaps the best performance of his career and certainly of the year as the aged Italian Stallion.  This is a film that's sensitive, steady, and surprisingly emotional.  I haven't even started talking about the fight scenes.  They're all exhilarating and totally immersive.  I'm especially talking about Adonis' first professional boxing match, which uses only one take and is utterly gripping and incredibly filmed.  There's really no other way to say it.  This movie is awesome.

BRYCE ***
CHASE ***1/2
LOGAN ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***