Back in 2016, “Creed” impressed many audiences by bringing the Rocky films to a new generation. With a bold new take on the series, “Creed” helped revitalized the crippled franchise. With this anticipated second round, does “Creed II” manage to capture the motivating spirit of its predecessor, or does it get tragically knocked out?

This continuation begins at the height of boxer Adonis Creed’s career. After being crowned the heavyweight champion of the world, an emotional challenge rocks Creed’s world. Subsequently, the challenge brings the film’s primary conflict into play.

Michael B. Jordan is excellent as the protagonist and continues to add great depth to Adonis Creed. The complex situation he is involved in this film allows Jordan to flex his artistic muscles. Jordan continues to demonstrate with this intense performance that he truly is one of the most promising actors of this generation.  Tessa Thompson is equally as compelling as the incredibly supportive and confident love interest. Despite having this archetype, Thompson gives the character great strength and adds to the overall complexity of the characters in the film. It should be no surprise that Sylvester Stallone steals the shows as Rocky. The aged actor has literally devoted his life to his creation, and it shows. Rocky remains the most developed character in these films, not only because of the fact he has had six films revolve around his growth as a boxer, but because of Stallone’s dedication to the iconic role.

Dolph Lundgren returns to the franchise as Ivan Drago and his anticipated return does not disappoint, especially with Florian Munteanu who joins Lundgren as Drago’s son, Viktor. The way the film contextualizes these antagonist’s goals and motivations significantly contributes to the grounded nature of the sequel and provides for many fascinating moments throughout the story. If there’s a highlight from the plot, it’s certainly these antagonists since their interesting conflict elevates the film. As a whole, the performances are superb and help maintain the more emotional aspects of the film’s plot.

Cleveland native Steven Caple Jr. excellently directs the film. It is clear that Caple Jr. has much respect for the “Rocky” franchise and these characters. The choices he makes in continuing the work of Ryan Coogler (“Creed”) pay off, specifically Caple Jr.’s decision to focus on themes of vengeance, sacrifice and determination that make the story a relatable and compelling watch.

Ludwig Göransson returns to score “Creed II,” and his work is just as impressive as it was in the first film. Utilizing an odd combination of hip-hop, rap and the classic “Rocky” film score Göransson’s helps give this film an identity. The iconic training montages this film is obligated to have would not be the same without his music. To put it simply, Göransson provides an incredibly satisfying and electrifying score.

“Creed II” clearly shares DNA with the rest of the “Rocky” franchise, and this, ironically, ends up being one the film’s biggest strengths and weaknesses. The primary issue with “Creed II” is that it’s too formulaic. If you’ve seen any “Rocky” movie, you can easily map out where this film’s plot is headed. There was a moment in this film where I turned to my father, who was seated next to me, and accurately predicted the direction the final two acts of the film were going to take. I almost put money on it, and if I had I would’ve ended up a richer man. The point is “Creed II” fails to really do anything different from its predecessors, with the exception of introducing new compelling and realistic villains This lack of risks or experimentation holds the film back from delivering a truly unique experience at the cinema. However, it does need to be mentioned that the “Rocky” formula does work in engaging the audience emotionally and for providing a fun time at the movies. For most, this familiarity may not be an issue, but it is an aspect of the film that needs to be addressed.

“Creed II” does what a great sequel should do; it advances the story while providing more themes and ideas for the audience to explore. The performances are excellent and the direction and score are faithful to the past. It is unknown whether audiences will see Adonis Creed back in the ring, but if they do, he better have some new tricks up his sleeve to provide a bold, new storytelling approach to the franchise.

8.0/10