Creed II Review
Release Date: November 16th 2018
PG-13: Sports action violence, language, and a scene of sensuality
MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema
2 Hrs and 9 Minutes
Dir: Steven Caple Jr. | Writer: Sylvester Stallone, Juel Taylor
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Russell Hornsby, Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu, Andre Ward, Phylicia Rashad, Dolph Lundgren
Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.
At this moment, one of my favorite filmmakers who is a huge inspiration for me is Ryan Coogler. He is on a hot streak right now with three great films in a row and his sophomore feature “Creed” was the solidifier of his mark on Hollywood. His absence from the director's chair for this follow-up made me a bit reluctant and cautious coming into this. While I was open to seeing what first time feature director Steven Caple Jr. had to offer, there was a part of me still attached to Coogler’s vision. But, thankfully, Caple Jr. does a fantastic job capturing the same spirit that Coogler established with his spinoff characters back in 2015.
From a visual standpoint Cable Jr. provides impressive shots and moments that pay homage to historical boxing imagery, but also parallels moments from earlier Rocky films and the predecessor. While the cinematography is not as raw as before and the lighting is too polished, there are innovative visual sequences that push beyond the expectations of an average boxing film. From a non-technical standpoint, the way he directs his cast is one of the film’s many strengths.
Every single cast member came into this and gave nothing but their absolute best to this film, especially Michael B. Jordan. Jordan was great in the predecessor but he truly brought his A-game for this one. Just like his beefy body, his acting has improved significantly since 2015. This is still Jordan’s movie and he makes it his own. There are moving sequences where he delivers captivating and authentic emotions that are depressing as hell and at times choke you up. Most of those moments stem from scenes that Jordan and Stallone share.
The relationship between Rocky and Donnie continues to be one of the selling points of the film, but it’s also one of the most layered aspects of the narrative. Their chemistry is still amazing as Rocky is this father figure to Donnie and you get the family bond they share that goes beyond just a mentorship. The relationship between them dives deeper than it has before. For “Rocky IV” being such an “ehh” movie that went through the motions, it’s impressive how much one moment became the crux for this narrative. And since there is no Mark Rylance to be found this year, he possibly has that Best Supporting Actor award in the bag. Stallone still retains that wise, charming personality that everyone recognizes and love. The love he shares with the people around him makes him an amazing character.
Another great aspect of the film that thoroughly works is Ivan Drago and his son Viktor. While none of the Rocky sequels ever show the lives of his formidable opponents after their defeat, it’s established right in the very beginning that Ivan’s life went to shit after the events of “Rocky IV”. The way they’re set up and introduced is clever, for there is no dialogue, just visual storytelling of their travel from Russia to Philly to challenge Creed for his Heavyweight title.The film opens with them, but they don’t speak until 20 minutes in as they’re set up like super villains. For the most part, Viktor physically is just that. When Viktor goes through unbelievable training exercises you fear for what is to happen to Creed during the fight. He does crazy bodybuilding routines that you didn’t even know bodybuilders do.
Even when you see them stand next to each other shirtless, you see not only how jacked Drago is, but how powerful he is as well. Just a little shove from him could send you flying through the wall. Watching them fight is like playing Punch-Out where Adonis is Little Mac.
That may be a joke but once you see it on screen you will get what I’m talking about.
As the film progresses their narrative becomes surprisingly complex and you genuinely sympathize with them. So much more is at stake in this film and they improve on the complexity of obstacles each party has to deal with. Honestly, you don't know who to root for at times because you want to see each one of these characters overcome their personal obstacles to achieve peace. One is fighting for legacy and the other for honor and seeing where their road takes them.
I went in unaware of who penned the script, so a lot of the scenes that gave me chills had me thinking, “Wow, whoever wrote this knows this Rocky franchise in and out.” Then, of course, I read the credits and discover it was Stallone himself and Juel Taylor who wrote this.
Nobody knows Rocky more than Stallone. What makes this sequel work is the fact that the script explores the characters some more. They’re fleshed out and still feel true to themselves, like real people. For a boxing film, there are many relatable issues that these characters go through that have nothing to do with boxing. Just like the predecessor, these people go through regular day-to-day obstacles that feel veritable.
Creed has to build the confidence to become a father to his fiancée Bianca’s baby and some of the hereditary issues that come with their offspring that relates to her hearing deficiency. Small things like that, where these characters are just being people, gives the film an authentic field. Despite their real life struggles and how impactful the conversations and lines of dialogue are, many tear-jerking scenes occur.
The story provided here is strong and doesn't feel like just another sequel for money, but an amazing opportunity to explore the characters and show that the past still has the power to affect these characters’ futures. It’s a respectful love letter to the Rocky franchise while being a knockout sequel in its own right. This year nearly each sequel, from ”Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” to the recent “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”, has felt so much like a cash grab with nothing new in terms of substance. I’m proud to say that this is a breath of fresh air. It’s hands down one of THE best sequels of the year.
Ludwig Goransson has also became one of my favorite film composers of all time now. From Donnie’s theme, “Fighting Stronger” from the predecessor to the music of “Warrior Falls” from “Black Panther”, Goransson has just been delivering iconic, triumphant scores. The man has worked with Childish Gambino, HAIM, and produced other great music. The score he provides here is still as strong as before as new renditions of the iconic theme are present. Other fresh beats make a lasting impression and there are great collaborations that you can bump to. By the time the climax comes, Goransson provides something recognizable that is ultimately earned and matches the film perfectly in that moment.
As I said, Steven Caple Jr.’s direction is decent, but the boxing scenes don’t have the same exhilarating punch style-wise that Coogler delivered. The primary reason you are engaged by the fight between Creed and Drago is mostly because of the legacy of the franchise being repeated again when it should be more than that. The boxing sequences are completely intense and there are showy moments, but nothing can compare with the tracking shot in the intro of the predecessor.
Providing an even deeper narrative with a powerful script by Stallone/Taylor, amazing performances, and an impressive debut by director Steven Caple Jr., “Creed II” is a knockout sequel that packs the same impacting punch as the first. It continues the loving legacy of the past entries of the “Rocky” movies to make a new complex story (as a sequel should).
Rating: 4.5/5 | 96%
Super Scene: Fighting Stronger Vol. 2
