It’s difficult to imagine a 69-year-old Sylvester Stallone rousing himself for the seventh instalment of Rocky, but the famous old pug delivers a vibrant performance in Creed, which hits SA screens this week (the second country in the world to see the film, after the US).

The 40-year-old franchise got a bit loose in recent years, but under a new writer and director (Ryan Coogler) it is given fresh vitality.

Happily, Stallone never tried to reprise his role as a fighter, instead slipping into the role of venerable boxing trainer. Old and worn, he comes across like the stereotypical patriarch determined to summon one great final performance.

The role of the fighter is played by fresh-faced Michael B Jordan, who followed Jake Gyllenhaal’s method of working his body into ridiculous shape. His boxing moves look authentic and there’s a sassy confidence about him that adds lustre to the film.

Jordan plays the role of Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s one-time rival and friend, Apollo Creed, so you can imagine the morality play that ensues.

Hollywood can’t resist hammed-up fight scenes, so inevitably the action is over-the-top and melodramatic, but this is Rocky, so we’ll forgive them that embellishment.

There are only so many storylines a boxing film can follow, but Coogler navigates the Creed journey with a welcome freshness that gives hope to every underdog.

Where the film adds to its authenticity is its shrewd use of world class fighters like Andre Ward, Tony Bellew (who fought Joburg’s own Isaac Chilemba two years ago) and Gabriel Rosado.

One of the film’s best elements is the music. Naturally, we get the Rocky anthem at the film’s crescendo (which doesn’t go Hollywood schmaltzy), but it is the singing performance of actress Tessa Thompson, who is the love interest, that is a real gem.

Blending R and B, soul and electronic, she produces a special, unique sound that adds further depth to a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Take a listen here:

https://youtu.be/dpHAxTPU9eY