Nearly 40 years since Sylvester Stallone first stepped into the ring, the culture of cinema is still very much aware of the influence of “Rocky.” There hasn’t been a fight movie since that hasn’t stood on the shoulders of Rocky Balboa. Yet now with “Creed,” a new generation of fighter has stepped up.

Director Ryan Coogler took on a monumental challenge with this project. To revisit and pay homage to Rocky’s legacy whilst paving the landscape for the next generation sounds like an impossible task. Yet “Creed” seems like an optimistic appraisal of the future, while still reflecting on the past in an almost melancholic dance. We weave in and out through emotions with such ease, it truly is a testament to Coogler’s excellent direction. When he directed “Fruitvale Station,” there was a glimpse at his abilities, but they’re in full force here.

Michael B. Jordan is Adonis Johnson, son of the great Apollo Creed, Rocky’s old rival. Yearning to be a fighter, he seeks the training of the reluctant Rocky, reprised by Stallone. The two powerhouse actors bouncing off of each other is the highlight of the film.

Meanwhile, there is no denying that at the end of the day a boxing movie needs fights. The first of the two major battle scenes is significantly more interesting than the second. It’s shot in a way that makes it feel as if it’s one continuous shot, although I have a hard time believing it really is. The danger of the fight felt very real, and the long shot brought about a sense of tension and unease to mirror the fight itself.

The second fight is certainly the climax of the film, but felt less tense somehow. That being said, I still wasn’t sure how the fight would turn out, which is really one of the most important factors in a boxing finale. If I know the winner before the fight starts, the entire fight is boring.

Stallone has proved himself to be less than expendable after all, as he delivers a remarkable and surprising performance. Rocky isn’t the same man he was 40 years ago, but feels like a logical extension of what that character would become. Him stepping in as the father figure to the son of his rival is both emotional and thrilling.

Is “Creed” a boxing movie? Certainly. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a revival. It’s a new fighter with a new life and I couldn’t get enough of it.