Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Dolph Lundgren, Florian Munteanu, Brigitte Nielsen
Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Release date: 30th November 2018
In Kyiv, Ukraine, a father and son are going through a rigorous training regime. Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Adonis Johnson/Creed (Michael B Jordan) is fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the world. After a triumphant battle, a face from the past arrives in Philly to visit Donnie and make a proposition. Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) and his son, Viktor (Florian Munteanu) have come to ask for a fight. They talk to Donnie and he in turn goes to Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) to ask for his help. Donnie still holds a lot of anger over his father’s untimely murder and wants revenge, but Rocky thinks he’s asking for trouble. Viktor has been trained in hate his whole life and so is extremely dangerous. Who will be the ultimate champion?
The first movie came out back in 2015, and saw the pairing of Rocky Balboa and the son of Apollo Creed, Adonis (Donnie for short). As the former Heavyweight Champion of the world, Rocky became a mentor for Donnie, and helped train the son of his longtime friend.
A great follow up to the first Creed movie, Creed II is far from it’s sloppy younger brother. It is a great example of a sequel and keeps you entertained from start to finish. If you’re a fan of boxing then you’re probably going to love this movie, and if you’re not then you’ll probably enjoy it as well. It’s quite violent in places but at the end of the day it’s a story of “two sons, linked by tragedy”, and family bonds. Rocky and Drago are linked through their history and there is a lot of bad feeling from the Drago Camp. Ivan has trained Viktor mercilessly, making him into an unstoppable fighting machine. Rocky on the other hand has learnt from his mistakes and story and puts everything he is and knows into helping Donnie fight the right way.
It’s certainly not a blockbuster by any means, but should definitely be seen on a big screen. Even though there is the love story of Donnie and Bianca, it’s far from mushy and definitely not a date night movie.
If you’re not a sports fan, still give this one a watch. You won’t regret it. (Though maybe watch the first movie beforehand).
Overall: 8/10
