By now, you’ve likely seen, read, or heard enough good things aboutCreedto either have watched it yourself or have written it off as a good movie that just doesn’t interest you. Nevertheless, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take my opportunity this weekend to say it to you myself: go seeCreed. What writer/directorRyanCoogleraccomplishes with this film isn’t just a worthy installment in a popular franchise. It’s more than that. Considerably more, actually. This is a legitimately great movie that not only honors theRockyfranchise, but confidently and skillfully takes it in a new direction.
There’s much that can and should be said for Coogler’s palpable talent as a filmmaker and as a storyteller. His constantly moving camera in the fight scenes is a thing of beauty as it weaves the audience in and around the action with fluidity. The script he penned withAaron Covingtonnails every aspect of what makesRockygreat and gives us a new underdog to root for inMichael B. Jordan’s Adonis character. They deserve more than the single sentence I can offer them, but Jordan,Sylvester Stallone, andTessa Thompson’s performances are on par with Coogler’s excellent work as well. I’ll admit to being skeptical when the project was initially announced, butCreedproved me wrong in all the best ways. It’s one of the year’s best. Go see it.
All gushing aside, let’s get to this week’sTop 5:
‘Captain America: Civil War’ Trailer
This week saw Marvel release thefirst trailerforCaptain America: Civil Warand I’ll be damned if it doesn’t look great. You know, it’s really hard for me to complain of superhero fatigue when Anthony and Joe Russo keep making superhero movies.
‘Creed’ Review
As indicated in this week’s opening paragraph, I thinkCreedis pretty good. Like, I’m seriously considering going to watch it again in theaters good. In case you need more convincing, I suggest checking outMatt’s positive review.
For even moreCreed/Rockyinspired content, take a gander at Matt’srank of everyRockyfilm, check outthis listof the best boxing films not featuring Rocky Balboa, andread thisOscar Beatentry in which Adam suggests that Michael B. Jordan could be a contender in the Best Actor category.
‘The Good Dinosaur’ Coverage
No, YOU’RE the one who tears up during the two and a half minute trailer for Pixar’sThe Good Dinosaur! Oh, who am I kidding? It’s me. I’m the one who tears up during the trailer. What can I say? Pixar knows how exactly how to both break my heart and make it swell up with joy and I have no reason to believe thatThe Good Dinosaurwill be any different.
For more on the pic, check outPatrick’s review, Christina’s text interview with voice starJeffrey Wright, andthis video tributeto 20 years of Pixar films.
‘In the Heart of the Sea’ Set Visit
I’ll be honest, if it’s not a Ron Howard film I probably don’t giveIn the Heart of the Seamuch of a chance. The subject just isn’t quite in my wheelhouse. But, alas, it is a Ron Howard film and therefore I’ll at least give it the benefit of the doubt.
Whether you’re in it for the subject matter, the Ron Howard factor, or because Chris Hemsworth is just generally easy to watch, I recommend doing a little prep forIn the Heart of the Seaby checking out Adam’s set visit coverage:visit recapfeaturing 20 things to know about the film,Chris Hemsworthset interview, andTom Holland(a.k.a. the new Spider-Man) set interview.
5 Times Leo Should Have Won the Oscar
Leonardo DiCaprio is perhaps the most recognizable movie star working today and, yet, he’s sans arguably the profession’s most acclaimed award: an Oscar.Early reports suggestthat his work inThe Revenantwill be enough to earn the hardware, but Adam argues that Leo has already turned-in at least five performances in his career that were worthy of winning an Academy Award. Check out his breakdown of thefive times DiCaprio should have won an Oscarand feel free to debate in the comments.
