Creed II (2018) Review:

Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise has isn’t a film series with all major successes but it still remains one of the most well regarded in the film industry. Rocky IV (1985) was the most exaggerated of the entries going global with its story with some underlining political tones. However it was the one that people seem to remember best also because it killed off one of its core characters Apollo Creed. In a wise decision, Stallone resurrected the name through what is now the Creed franchise with Michael B. Jordan as the lead play Apollo’s sun. Well, not it’s come full circle with Apollo’s son addressing some unfinished loose ends with his family history. Which in all honesty is something probably many have been wanting to see. Everyone love’s a comeback story – sometimes even for the villain.

Directed by Steve Caple Jr. in his first high profile theatrical release, the story continues with Adonis Creed’s (Michael B. Jordan) success as well as his now fiancé Bianca (Tessa Thompson). However, after learning of that Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu) the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), is seeking to fight take the title, Adonis feels he has no choice but to defend his family’s honor. Written by Sylvester Stallone once more along with Juel Taylor in his first high profile feature as well did a nice job opening up old wounds and closing them back up again. Having to come to grips with past trauma and family issues is not an issue thing to deal with for anyone. It requires understanding and patience with touchy topics such as this. And being that it’s not only Adonis’ issue but also, Ivan and Rocky’s – it’s just a big love triangle of pain.

The narrative really puts the characters in a hard spot individually. Rocky has to understand he has to accept his mistake from when Apollo was killed back in Rocky IV (1985). Ivan has to come grips with his shame of losing his match in his homeland to Rocky in that same film. Meanwhile Adonis has to figure out for himself, is it worth fighting a match that goes back to some family fued or should he go forward with tackling it with possibly ending up like his old man. Each character arc involves its own issues but all revolve around the theme of redemption. The supporting characters also cope with these topics too like Adonis’ mom Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad) or Rocky’s son Robert (Milo Ventimigilia) and grandson Logan (Robbie Johns).

For the production, the quality of the film was well put together. The fight scenes are well choreographed and look very intense when watching it play out. The fact that a human being can take such punishment is nuts no matter how many rounds one watches in whatever film. The more softer or tense scenes that were shot are also well done. Seeing Rocky and Ivan meet face to face one more time but as old and tired men still looking to fight is again, cool to see. The only character who isn’t provided much is Florian Munteanu as Ivan’s son. To some extent a viewer can understand because he was literally trained to just go after Adonis. More could have been done though to round out his character as there is a small segment involving family but context would’ve been helpful.

There’s also special appearances from other various people like Max Kellerman as himself and Brigitte Nielsen as Ludmilla, Ivan Drago’s wife from Rocky IV (1985). For cinematography, the camerawork was handled by Kramer Morgenthau who was worked on other productions like Thor: The Dark World (2014) and Terminator Genisys (2015). For what is shown, Morgenthau is more than capable getting the shot needed to entertain the audience. Lastly for music, the film score was once again composed by Ludwig Gorannson. And as like before, Gorannson keeps the same franchise theme for Adonis Creed and even brings back the old theme for Ivan Drago. The score itself is a good listening experience and still brings good feelings when listening to it.

Looking at this entry to the line of stories before it, this is very much an equal to its first. The story is still very character driven except for the minor and obvious callouts. The music, camerawork and action are also as entertaining as before.

Points Earned --> 7:10