Review of Creed II (2018) by James R — 22 Nov 2018

This is how you do a sequel. While it doesn't reach the heights of its predecessor Creed II is a fantastic film that's not just about boxing, but a film about two sons who's lives are overshadowed at times by the decisions of their fathers.

Creed II picks off a few years after the events of Creed (2015). Ryan Coogler isn't directing this time (but is an executive producer), so directing this time around is Steven Caple Jr and truthfully he does a fantastic job here.

After winning the title of Heavy Weight Champion of the World Adonis Creed (Michael B Jordan) is ready to settle down a bit and get more serious with his girlfriend Bianca (Tessa Thompson). In comes Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) who hasn't exactly been having the best life since losing to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky IV (1985).

Ivan was ousted out by the Russians along with his son Viktor (Florian Munteanu). So since then Ivan has been training Viktor in the art of boxing and man has he created a hulking ass monster. Anywho, the Dragos arrive in America and challenge Adonis to a match.

Since Ivan originally killed Adonis' father Apollo in Rocky IV everyone wants to see this matchup. Against the direction of Rocky (and many others) Adonis accepts the match meanwhile trying to balance a new family, married life and the people around him that love him.

It's a real mess and it's up to Adonis to work through everything to realize what really is most important to him. This movie has some really great fight sequences and even had my whole theater (myself included) clapping like it was an actual matchup.

There's some really well done emotional parts in this film as well. We have a lot of messages here about father and son relationships. We see Ivan and Viktors' perspectives and how their lives were forever changed because of a boxing match.

Adonis feels a need to fight this fight, but even Rocky doesn't want him to go down a path much like how he himself is just about estranged from his own biological son and family. My only gripe was the reasoning behind Ivan's obsession with winning was a little.

..eh to me. Overall, it's extremely well done and a fitting end to the series as a whole. Yes, I'm assuming they may make a Creed III, but this movie puts an end to the Rocky/Creed franchise so well that I feel like they really don't need to drag this on any longer.

Overall, if you're a Rocky, a Creed, or a fan of good movies see this movie this Thanksgiving Weekend you will not be disappointed!