Creed II movie review: Spin Off Of The Rocky Series, Creed II Returns With Underlying Fathers And Son Theme

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  Reviews   Creed II movie review: Spin Off Of The Rocky Series, Creed II Returns With Underlying Fathers And Son Theme

Creed II movie review: Spin Off Of The Rocky Series, Creed II Returns With Underlying Fathers And Son Theme

Creed II is what the Rocky sequels are to the original, more generic, less textured take on familiar boxing movie. This franchise keeps itself grounded and delivering one masterpiece after another.
Nov 30, 2018, 12:03 pm ISTReviewsJhakaasMovies Staff
Creed II
  Creed II
Rating: 3/5

Since 1976, Rocky is one movie franchise that has delivered thrill, emotions and adrenaline rush in abundance. Even if sometimes the movie wasn't as good as the other parts (looking at you Rocky V), the franchise still landed its punch all right. At a time when Hollywood franchises are all about CGIs and saving the world, there is one franchise that is keeping itself grounded and delivering one masterpiece after another.

It’s not just sins of fathers that haunt the characters of Creed II. So do the love, or the lack of it, of mothers — the film lays this really thick. Meanwhile, Adonis not just battles being the son of his father, but with girlfriend Bianca (Thompson), also ventures into parenthood himself. However, unlike Creed I (directed by Ryan Coogler) that had a life of its own outside the Rocky sphere, Creed II exists only to serve its stories further. The people with the most interesting past and intriguing future in Creed II remain, Rocky and Ivan, reprising their celebrated rivalry of 1985. Viktor is no more than a vassal of Ivan’s single-minded hatred, and Adonis is still to get a story separate from Apollo’s — though this film promises that will change.

The very same glory which Rocky ripped off of him, which led to his shame of 33 years in the eyes of his countrymen, which led to his wife leaving him, which led him to live his life in oblivion. And as Ivan Drago mentions in one scene, like a stray dog. Despite Rocky's and everyone else's reluctance, Adonis takes up the challenge and what follows next is an emotional and thrilling roller-coaster ride. The performances by all the lead actors are mindblowing. Michael B Jordan is a force to reckon with. He has proved it time and again the heavyweight performer he is. He nails his part. It's hard to make the audience feel for you when you have everything going in your favour and Jordan delivers that.

Creed II is another winner in the Rocky/Creed franchise. If not for anything, watch it for the love of Rocky Balboa, it looks like, this might be the last time we'll see our beloved boxer on screen. A highly engaging, emotional, thrilling and satisfying watch.

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