I’m not sure whether Creed will spinoff as many films as the Rocky franchise has but I do hope at the very least they do a trilogy. Warning, spoilers ahead…
So much of the Rocky franchise that now extends to Creed is as much about family as it is about overcoming obstacles and being the ultimate underdog. Creed II continues that tradition. Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), is on top of the world both professional as the Heavyweight champ and as soon to be father. His world gets interrupted when a familiar foe challenges him for the title, Vitor Drago (Florian Munteanu). If you’re a fan of the series the name Drago should be familiar. Vitor’s father Ivan (Dolph Lundgren) fought Apollo Creed and Apollo died in the arms of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Now Vitor wants to restore the Drago name by becoming the heavyweight champion of the world and perhaps even have history repeat itself.
The true fight for both Adonis and Rocky doesn’t come from Vitor or even Ivan but from a shared legacy and an understanding of what is worth fighting for. What may have started as a fight for honor or even revenge turns into something more for Adonis. Whether he wins or losses, it will not change history nor bring his father back. As Rocky reminds him, he must either fight for himself or fight for no one. Like all the other previous films, there is a formula. The hero must fall and nearly break before he can rise up and conquer his fears and be victorious.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and Michael B. Jordan gets better with every film he is in. He has a screen presence so few actors today have and his future seems unlimited which is a treat for us all. As for the Italian stallion, Sylvester Stallone, he continues to remind us why the character of Rocky Balboa has endured for over four decades.
Directed By: Steven Caple, Jr.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad & Florian Munteanu
PG-13 130 min
CREED II – **** (out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
