With Rocky Balboa delivering a rather satisfying, and seemingly final, end to the series, first instincts would be to hiss and spit at a new Rocky movie, especially considering, as the title suggests, it’s no longer a story about our hero Stallone/Rocky.

Let me stop you right there and wash all fears and uncertainties away: this movie is not an insult to the Rocky movies, and is still a very deep and personal story that shows Rocky in his twilight years; the next logical step almost ten years after the events of Balboa. In short: this movie does not ruin the franchise, and in fact, takes it to a new level.

Creed is the first movie in the series not to be written by Stallone, and newcomer writer/director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) lives up to expectations. The movie follows a descendant of Apollo Creed, Adonis (Jordan), an ego-driven young boxer who wants to prove himself and make a name for himself on his own terms. Relocating himself to Philadelphia, he tracks down a now older Rocky to seek his training. The story is a perfect mix of old and new, with fans of the original movies never feeling shorthanded, and newcomers feeling like they haven’t missed anything integral.

A truly canonical entry into the franchise, the movie parallels the underdog themes of the original, with a beautiful mix of relationships and character pieces, making this more than ‘just another feel-good sports movie’. Creed is a worthy entry in the franchise, and a definite watch, especially for those keen to see more of Rocky’s story.