CREED II: ROCKY IV Played Straight

2015’s Creed was a miraculous production that should not have worked as well as it did. Given the unenviable task of continuing a story in a dormant franchise, Creed breathed new life into the Rocky series, producing one of the most satisfying entries in the saga to date. It was a resounding success on many levels, with stars Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone delivering career-best performances, and director Ryan Coogler showcasing outstanding technical work from behind the camera. The film was a knockout.

Fast forward to three years later, and we now have the follow-up: Creed II. Coogler has since migrated over to the MCU, where he has already shattered all kinds of records with Black Panther earlier this year. Taking over helming duties is Steven Caple, Jr., a largely untested filmmaker who, much like Coogler, comes to the franchise with only one feature under his belt. Caple, Jr. is game to take the sequel to potentially ridiculous territory, but he lacks much of the panache displayed by Coogler, turning in a film that feels very workmanlike by design. The story also leaves a lot to be desired, following the beats of a sports movie formula to a T.

And yet, it’s impossible to walk away from Creed II completely disappointed. The picture is eager to please, keeping its heart in the right place while it generates plenty of thrills and emotional beats. It also has the benefit of stellar cast, who manage to work wonders when the screenplay (credited to Stallone and Juel Taylor) leans a little too hard on formula. Creed II might not live up to the promise of Creed, but it’s still damn entertaining in its own right.

Dueling Legacies

The film opens with an update on the life of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), the antagonist of Rocky IV, who currently resides in a dilapidated Ukrainian apartment with his son, Viktor (Florian Munteanu). After killing Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring, Ivan’s subsequent loss to Rocky Balboa (Stallone) some thirty odd years prior has cost him everything: his career as a boxer abruptly ended, he has been exiled from Mother Russia, and his wife, Ludmilla (Brigitte Nielsen, in a small role), has walked out on him and his son. Ivan spends his days dutifully training Viktor, strategically molding his son into a hulking beast of a fighter.

Meanwhile, life is going immensely well for Adonis Creed (Jordan). Having rebounded from his defeat against “Pretty” Ricky Conlan, he has since scored a string of victories and earned the title of heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He is also newly engaged to Bianca (Tessa Thompson), with the couple expecting their first child together. Adonis’ idyllic home life is swiftly interrupted by the arrival of the Dragos, who challenge him for the title of world champion. Despite pleas from his trainer, Rocky (Stallone), who knows firsthand just how dangerous the Dragos really are, Adonis accepts the challenge, putting his life on the line to defend the title and face the son of the man who killed his father.

Creed II picks up many of the narrative strands left off by its predecessor, continuing a story of fathers, sons, and the legacies they leave behind. The wrinkle here is the unfinished business from the Dragos, who act as the spoiler in Adonis’ life. For Adonis, this is his one chance to prove he is Apollo’s son, granted the incredible opportunity to avenge his fallen father. For the Dragos, this is a shot at a return to glory, itching to destroy Adonis’ life after having fallen so far from grace.

Admittedly, “Rocky IV: A Revenge Movie” feels like dangerous ground for Creed II to cover. The beauty of Creed was its ability to play things relatively straight while still remaining faithful to the series, resulting in a remarkable effort with plenty of surprises. Though it is not without its affectionate supports, Rocky IV is arguably the goofiest film in the series, a testosterone-fueled, lunkheaded Cold War parable. Mixing the two (in the hands of an in-experienced director, no less) is almost certainly a recipe for disaster.

Thankfully, the stories gel better than expected. The drama with the Dragos finds even footing in the world of Adonis Creed, offering a modicum of credibility as it strains to fight off its lack of originality.

Knockout Performances

Though the story often dips into familiarity, the performances never falter. Jordan continues to impress as the younger Creed, committing to the harsh physicality of the role while still succeeding in the tender moments. He is matched well by Thompson, who faces her own struggles as Bianca, suffering from congenital hearing loss with the fear she might pass it down to her child.

Equally strong is Stallone, playing Balboa in the Mickey Goldmill phase of his life. Having faced Ivan personally, Rocky battles his own inner demons (he blames himself for Apollo’s death, having not thrown in the towel to end the fight and save his friend’s life), refusing to see Adonis pursue down the same path of destruction. There’s a palpable sense of regret in Stallone’s sharing a great deal of vulnerability in his supporting role.

Also of note is Lundgren, who delivers one of the finest performances of his career as disgraced boxer Ivan Drago. The imposing Russian is quietly reserved for much of the film, maintaining a steely disposition in a rare dramatic turn. Lundgren is outwardly intimidating, concealing a reservoir of pain beneath his icy surface. He also shares a good rapport with Munteanu, whose only real task is to look big and menacing. On that front, he succeeds.

Conclusion: Creed II

Caple, Jr. pulls out all the stops for the finale, serving up a fantastic Training Montage and delivering a Final Fight worthy of Coogler. The third act of Creed II is a rush of pure adrenaline, tempering fan expectations with a knock ‘em sock ‘em brawl. The final match of Creed vs. Drago is a stunner, and while Creed II does not reach the fantastic heights of Creed, it still puts up plenty of fight to prove itself worthy.

What do you think? Is Creed II a worthy sequel to Creed?

Creed II was released in the U.S. on November 21st, 2018, and released in the UK on November 30th, 2018.