The first Creed movie released back in 2015 was an absolute marvel in every sense of the word. It was a familiar setting with brand new characters, a few we hadn't seen in a long time, and a story that was on par with the likes of great classics of human drama. It cemented both its star Michael B. Jordon and writer/director Ryan Coogler (both of whom would go on to create Black Panther), as genuine talents that can handle just about anything. It was a small miracle of a film that I still enjoy to this day. So when it was announced that it would be getting a sequel, I was not entirely sure how to feel about it. To be honest, everything about it felt less like a continuation of the first story and more like a hostile takeover. Even so, I was not about to judge the film until I had seen it. Now, having done so, I am happy to report that, while it is not as impactful or as memorable as the first movie, it is still entertaining and satisfying in its own way. My time did not feel wasted with this one.
The story takes place a few years after the first Creed film. Adonis "Creed" Johnson (Michael B. Jordon), son of the late Apollo Creed, has just won the heavyweight championship. He celebrates his victory by proposing to his girlfriend and, shortly after that, discovers that he is about to become a father. It seems that life is throwing him all the right punches. That is until a new challenger comes knocking at his door looking for a challenge by the name of Victor Drago (Florian Munteanu), as in the son of Ivan Drago, whom some of you may remember as the Russian boxer who killed Apollo Creed in the ring from Rocky IV. Having been shammed and abandoned by his family and his community for his loss to Rocky over thirty years ago, Ivan has returned with his son to seek revenge. All the while Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) must now decide if he is willing to face down an old enemy by training Apollo's son. It is a battle of generations and the showdown of a lifetime. Will Adonis take down Russia as Rocky had done before, or will he be broken?
When I said this movie seemed more like a hostile takeover, I genuinely meant it. The main thing about Creed that made it such a powerful film was that it was set inside the all too familiar Rocky universe, complete with Sylvester Stallone as Rocky and Phylicia Rashad as Apollo's widow (who by the way is still a remarkable screen presence), but it felt like its own thing entirely. It had a new story with its own themes of personal identity and the value of self-worth, and it pulled them off gloriously. Its sequel, Creed II, feels more like a traditional Rocky movie, complete with the expected training montages, themes of overcoming demons and rising to the occasion after learning the right lessons. It also can't help but come off as yet another symptom of Hollywoods story crisis where they're just making as many sequels, remakes and reboots as they can banking on name recognition because they can't trust too much originality. Which, to be fair, the first movie is kind of guilty of this as well, but at least the first film didn't make that its primary attraction sort of speak.
This is not to imply that Creed II is in any way predictable or dull. Despite being more of a sequel to Rocky IV than a continuation of the first story, this movie still succeeds in delivering well-rounded characters, a compelling narrative, and emotional punch (no pun intended). The story of old enemies squaring off again with the next generation as their weapons only to for both sides to learn a valuable lesson about life before its too late is a welcome story to enjoy. Also, as you might have expected, Michael B. Jordon is still a remarkable talent to behold and his chemistry with the rest of the case, including Stallone, makes the film worth it all. Not to mention the incredibly talented and beautiful Tessa Thompson as Adonis's wife. She is the proud recipient of my MVP award.
While it does not contain the same emotional and creative spark as its predecessor, it still has a great deal of its own entertainment value and emotional residence. It's like a well-made extension of an already correctly built table. You don't really need it, but it's nice to have it.
Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes
Why?
It is an experience guaranteed to scratch your nostalgia itch and might even draw a tear or two. I drew some from me.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.
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