Creed is the seventh installment in the ‘Rocky’ universe, but with as fresh and lively as the young Michael B. Jordan is in the title role you could be lead to believe it’s the first. Don’t worry folks Sylvester Stallone (in his most awe-inspiring turn yet as the aging rag-tag boxer) is back as our favorite ‘Balboa’ but, sadly, never steps in the ring. This time he is aiding our young, Adonis Creed (Jordan) as he climbs the ranks to make a name for himself in the world of open brawl boxing. All of this may sound cliche, because, well, it is. Complete with a final fight that is almost as predictable as could be, yet director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) leaves enough room for our characters to grow, and evolve throughout the picture (something I’m afraid Southpaw earlier this summer failed to do). With all that said, Jordan is a marvel as the young Creed taking punches as quickly as he deals them. Creed is a prime example of a director taking all his potential into a new franchise while at the same time breathing new life into mainstream filmmaking. Others should take note. B+