Technically the seventh installment in the Rocky franchise while starting its own titular series, Creed is the next rejuvenated studio property.

Much like the upcoming Star Wars sequel and the infinite amount of nostalgic property reboots, Creed wants to remind everyone how much they loved an established franchise while drawing in new fans.

In terms of quality there has never been such a successful attempt at doing so. It’s one of the best pictures of 2015 and the most inspirational picture in years.

Adonis Creed tracks down Rocky Balboa, rival turned friend to his father Apollo, to become a legitimate fighter. The world around him judges him for his name.

In this continuity Apollo Creed is still considered one of the best fighters in the world before his death at the hands of Ivan Drago. Because of his respect and good heart, Balboa takes on the young hot-headed Creed to help him become a better fighter but also a better person.

Michael B. Jordan needed a comeback after the Fantastic Four debacle earlier this year. It’s not that Jordan needed to solidify his acting gusto but rather reaffirm he could lead a good movie.

To steal a baseball euphemism, Jordan knocks it out of the park. His energy in scenes of desperation and inspiration will remain unparalleled for the remainder of the year.

Rocky Balboa has been holding up in a quiet life, still managing the restaurant named after the love of his life “Adrian’s” and now visits the Pennino siblings at the cemetery.

There may or may not have been tears shed. Without hyperbole, there may not be a fictional movie character more deserving of the happy ending than Rocky Balboa.

If we were to focus on his solo journey, we’ve closed the book on his adventures and he got a bitter-sweet ending. He’s gone against the odds. Now it’s his turn to help someone else. Rocky really is the best of us.

Stallone hasn’t been this good since his original outing as the Italian Stallion back in 1976. There’s a world weariness to the character familiar to the aging wiseman trope but instilled with the familiarity of the Rocky Balboa character.

He can’t be old and bitter as that would be a betrayal of character. He’ll continue doing good for people with a slower speed.

Along the way Adonis Creed also meets Bianca, a singer-songwriter who has her own issues in life and the two find solace in one another.

Adonis’ hot headed nature makes his rise to prominence more difficult. Throughout the film – without spoilers – the young fighter makes it clear he wants to take on the name of his idolized father. As we learn more about what drives Adonis, the film reveals more about its truthful intent.

Creed embodies the best of a new generation. While acknowledging the past, it remembers what made this franchise so special.

Ultimately it falls in line with a traditional story of up-and-coming glory but under the lens of a franchise that defined the genre. More so it’s about learning from the past and creating a future in your own image.

Public perception doesn’t mean anything once you realize who you are and where you’re going. Adonis fights for more than just his father’s name. He’s fighting for his own sense of self-worth.

At one point in the film Adonis explains, “I’ve been fighting my whole life. It’s not a choice for me.” His battle isn’t discovering the will to fight. Although when we start the movie, it looks like Rocky could use some assistance.

Does Adonis Creed win the fight? It doesn’t matter. Creed the man and Creed the film both go the distance.

If there’s any truth to this life, we’ll be seeing best actor and best supporting nominations for Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone respectively.