Creed 2 (2018)

Creed 2 (2018)

Directed By: Steven Caple Jr

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Dolph Lundgren, Florian Munteanu, Wood Harris, and Phylicia Rashad.

Synopsis: In 1985, Russian boxer Ivan Drago killed former U.S. champion Apollo Creed in a tragic match that stunned the world. Against the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa, Apollo’s son Adonis Johnson accepts a challenge from Drago’s son — another dangerous fighter. Under guidance from Rocky, Adonis trains for the showdown of his life — a date with destiny that soon becomes his obsession. Now, Johnson and Balboa must confront their shared legacy as the past comes back to haunt each man.

Review: Stallone and Michael B. Jordan return as Rocky and Adonis Creed. The movie opens with Adonis making it too be Heavyweight Champion Of The World. While having everything Adonis still feels incomplete. In strolls Ivan Drago with son. Ever since his defeat at the hands of Rocky Balboa, Ivan has been disowned by his country. His wife had abandoned him and his son Victor. Ivan has been training Victor to be the best fighter in the world and more to the point to get their family name back into high standings.

I enjoyed this movie. I didn’t know how the events would play out or how Drago would fit into the current time, as he was like a Terminator in the 80s, which was acceptable. Never fear, the way everything is put together is a masterpiece.

Just like the Rocky franchise, the Creed franchise has the whole drama element and is full of heart. Adonis is going through his own personal struggles, from inner demons eating away at him, getting married and having a baby. After accepting the fight against Drago without Rocky’s full support Adonis truly gets his ass beat, only a rogue blow to face from Victor saves him and his title. Victor gets disqualified. Which sets up the obvious training montage and finale.

This movie featured more emotion and more personal time with the characters. Which I love in these movies. The movie focused on how parents action/consequences played a part in their own life, Ivan is a constant arsehole too his son and treats him like crap, while Adonis is trying to live up to the Creed name and the responsibilities that come with it.

I cannot really see the franchise holding up as long as the Rocky series did. This one felt like Rocky 3&4 splashed together. The way this movie ends closes the door on Rocky’s chapter. I can’t see Rocky returning if there is a third movie.

Overall an enjoyable watch and features a catchy soundtrack. It was great to revisit these characters again. Performances in the movie were all on par and couldn’t fault anyone!