While not deviating much from the standard boxing movie formula made popular by “Rocky,” this film does a good job of making a name for itself. Michael B. Jordan is strong in the lead role, although at times he keeps things a bit too close to the vest. It’s only late in the movie does he give a line of dialog that truly cuts to his motivation behind everything he does. Stallone is solid as he transitions into the role of mentor. He pulls of the weariness of a man who has fought his whole life and now has nothing much left to fight for. Tessa Thompson is the love interest. Her character has some interesting dimensions, and she does have some good chemistry with Jordan. While the training montages are usually the most entertaining parts of the “Rocky” films, these are surprisingly uninteresting. Between this and some predictable drama, the latter half of the film drags. There’s little fighting after the beginning of the film, so things just feel tedious for a while. The final fight gets things going and manages to get you emotionally invested in everything by the end.

*** out of *****