It's been three long years since the young and energetic Adonis Johnson Creed stepped into the boxing ring and carried on the torch passed on by his mentor/ "Unc" Rocky Balboa in 2015's "Creed" - the very first spin-off film of the long running "Rocky" film franchise and one that follows the career and journey of a new fighter who inherits two legacies from two former rivals turned friends. The first film's director, Ryan Coogler of "Black Panther" fame, made a daring attempt at continuing the Rocky Saga through fresh eyes - this time through the late Apollo Creed's son and how he rose through a huge challenge to carve his own legacy while honoring his father's at the same time.
Fast forward to 2018, and a sequel that was only natural to happen comes forth delivering not just the next chapter for Adonis Creed, but also a fight that acts as continuation of the fight that took his father's life and changed his mentor Rocky Balboa forever. "Creed II" pits the young boxer against Viktor Drago - son of "Rocky IV" antagonist and Russian Boxer Ivan Drago - the man who killed Apollo Creed in an Exhibition Match 33 years ago. After climbing to the top of the mountain and becoming WBO Champion, Donnie's life turns upside down with this very personal challenge - one that complicates his progression as a fighter and soon to be husband and father. As his girlfriend/ fiancee Bianca becomes pregnant with his child and his relationship with his "Unc" Rocky becomes strained over choosing to fight the Dragos, Creed must learn to rise beyond his own demons and his father's shadow to fight for what is more important in his life than anything else.
As the eighth installment of the Rocky series, Creed II is just another certified HIT chapter in the saga that chronicles a boxer's life inside and outside of the ring.
Michael B. Jordan is back in tip top form as Adonis Creed - who is his own man now yet struggles to balance his fighter side with the impending responsibilities of becoming a husband and father himself. He finally faces the family that disgraced his own, yet soon realizes first hand through Rocky's tutelage that some things go beyond personal rivalries or grudges. Sylvester Stallone returns strong and wise as ever as Rocky Balboa. He may be retired and serving in a mentor capacity only, but it is that wisdom and heart that has made the character so beloved through the years. If this is going to be Stallone's final bow as the character, then this film literally serves as a fine final performance too.
Then there's Ivan Drago and his son Viktor. Played once again by Dolph Lundgren, the old rivalry between the former Russian boxer and Rocky reignites as their proteges battle it out to put the "Sins of the Father" to rest. Florian Munteanu is just physically imposing as Viktor, and his dedication to squashing out Adonis Creed proves to be the ultimate test the young Creed will have to go through just to put his demons to rest once and for all.
Finally of course there is Tessa Thompson, returning to as Adonis' love interest and heart Bianca Taylor - the singer-songwriter with progressive hearing loss that bears the young boxer's child through the events of the film. Their bond and relationship is tested throughout the story, but both manage to find the strength and dedication to one another that makes their union just as strong as Rocky's and his late wife Adrian. Phylicia Rashad also returns as Mary Anne Creed, the wife of the late Apollo Creed and Adonis' stepmother - who is literally the rock of Donnie who helped raise him in the family he honors and carries the name of.
Directed by relative newcomer Steven Caple Jr. and wowing people with another spectacular Rocky film, Creed II is definitely A MUST WATCH - ESPECIALLY for fans who have waited for a resolution to "Rocky IV" and for Apollo's son to finally become his own man! Do catch it in theaters, now playing c/o Warner Bros. Pictures!
Rating - 5/5
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