Creed 2 Review

After one full week of Creed 2 being released in theaters I got the chance to watch the sequel to a hit franchise in the making.  First I noticed the film was not in danger of selling out as the movie theater slowly filled but barely to max capacity.  I thought the film was promoted quite well but way too many spoiler clips shown to the public however its about boxing and I’m a Rocky fan. 

So the film starts with Michael B Jordan character Adonis Creed engaging in an intense bout with Danny “stuntman” Wheeler (Andre Ward) for the Heavyweight Title.  The victory not only crowns Adonis champion but removes his fear of being in the shadow of his late father Apollo Creed.  Although Adonis becomes his own man as a fighter his hubris continues to be his biggest flaw. This is frequently shown as he shuts out the people he needs the most when he faces his biggest challenge Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu).  I was doubtful going into this film about the storyline of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundren) son challenging the son of the man who Ivan killed in the ring 30 yrs ago.  What kind of bloodthirsty vendetta does Drago have in sicking his power lifting hulk of a son on Adonis Creed?  The young man is an absolute savage! 

The motive is made clear as Ivan blames Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) for becoming an outcast to his country Mother Russia (or Ukraine) due to his loss 30yrs ago to Rocky.  So its kind of a moral redemption for Ivan for his kin to defeat the surrogate son of Balboa.  I have no problem with this plotline, it actually gives the story purpose. Rocky and Ivan have a sit down which evoked major nostalgia for myself as a Rocky fan.  Two old men, who we all thought were amicable at the end of Rocky IV but apparently there still is bad blood at least on Ivans side.  The Russians don’t say too much in the film, except some Russian subtitle dialogue here and there.  Adonis who ends up accepting the fight minus Rockys support spazzes on the gentle old legend. I hate to see the two quarrel because Rocky is non confrontational and is no match for Adonis fiery attitude.  Rocky is sometimes too honest to a fault but always speaks from his heart.  This is similar to the first movie where Adonis begs Rocky to train him and once he accepts its like he’s not allowed to refuse Adonis ever. 

 Showing even more vulnerability second time around Adonis has the ultimate opportunity to avenge his dad in a too familiar pattern.  Once again he has something to prove but we also see Viktor has something to prove.  Feeling the pressure of his dad, (who is reliving boxing glory through his son) there is a responsibility that Viktor has to gain approval.  Adding even more pressure his mother and Ex-wife of Drago (Bridgette Nielsen) returns only for what seems only for the big fight after abandoning her family all these years.  If anything I felt Viktors story was just as important as the protagonist.   Michael B. Jordan does a good job showing his emotional side whether its professing his love to his woman Bianca (Tessa Thompson) or confessing his fear of not living up to his fathers legacy.  This is the real battle of the story.  Adonis ambition to be great like his dad takes some pitfalls and his family feels the effects of it, from his irrational impulsive behavior. 

It was a great cast of actors that made CreedII a deep drama not just some boxing showdown.   Adonis mother played by Phylicia Rashad does an amazing job channelling her Clair Huxtable as she passes wisdom to her boy.  The beautiful fiancee Bianca has great chemistry with her love interest co- star.  Lastly Rocky is the voice of reason and guide to help Adonis as he also copes with the guilt of not stopping his dad Apollo from a fatal KO 30yrs ago.  This time we get young director Steven Cable Jr. for Creed II who did a great job capturing the fresh urban appeal we saw in Creed I.  The fight scenes are awesome and doesn’t look too choppy or over-exaggerated.  I did feel some of the pain and injuries Adonis sustained were too unbelievable to continue against a beast like Viktor Drago.   I didn’t think it was better than the first movie but how many sequels are better than the original?  

I give Creed II a 7 out of 10.