“Creed 2” is exactly the movie you think it’s it’s going to be...and that’s a good thing. The movie is another solid entry in the “Rocky” universe with all of the drama, emotion, in-ring action, and character development fans of the franchise have come to expect.
Overview
The movie begins with Adonis continuing his ascension to the top of the boxing world. After winning his first championship he receives a surprise challenge from underground sensation Viktor Drago, son of the infamous Ivan Drago -- the man that killed Adonis’ father.
The rest of the movie centers on Adonis’ training and preparation, the growth in his relationship with Bianca, another heart-wrenching conflict with Rocky, and the struggle to carve out his own identity amidst the long shadow cast by his father.
What You’re Going to Like
THE BOXING ACTION IS GOOD. Is it cartoonish? Of course. Over the top? Definitely. But the fights look realistic and each match tells a very specific story that matches what’s happening in the lives of the fighters outside of the ring.
THE MOVIE STIRS UP REAL EMOTION. The various struggles of the characters gives this movie some real emotional weight. That’s something that has always separated
“Rocky” films from other sports movies. Rocky wrestles with how to repair his relationship with his son, Bianca deals with her continued hearing loss (and what that means for a possible family), and the Dragos struggle to resurrect their name and reputation from the ashes of Ivan’s devastating defeat 30 years earlier. None of the resolutions are shocking, but they still manage to tug at your heartstrings. It's good, but still not as dramatic/traumatic as, well...you know.
VIKTOR DRAGO IS A BEAST. Newcomer Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu manages to capture the intimidating aura and presence of Ivan Drago. His brooding, scowling demeanor seems completely real, and he feel dangerous from the first time you see him. He also gets it done in the ring and landed a few hooks so hard I checked to make sure I still had all of my OWN teeth. Look at the picture below -- that's a stone-cold killing machine right there.
A NEW TRAINING MONTAGE. “Rocky” movies essentially invented the training montage and they can often feel cliche or recycled as they filmmakers search for new ways to prep the protagonist for the big fight. “Creed II” offers a new take on this as Adonis bypasses the beach, the gym, and the snow and heads to the desert to train for the most difficult opponent he’s ever faced.
THE MUSIC/SCORE ROCKS. This is pretty standard for a “Rocky” film, but Ludwig Goransson continues the tradition of outstanding instrumental scoring mixed with hip-hop that modernizes the film but never feels out-of-place.
THE MOVIE LEAVES MORE TO BE EXPLORED. The movie ends with plenty of room for expanding the story of the Dragos, exploring Rocky’s attempts to rebuild his relationship with his son, and examining Adonis & Bianca’s lives building a family. It ultimately leaves you craving more from the “Rocky Universe,” and that’s a good thing.
What You Might Not Like
IT STICKS TO THE ROCKY FORMULA. The conflicts are predictable, the resolutions are largely predictable, and there are only 1-2 real twists that surprise the audience. The story is really well told, but it’s not exactly original. It’s very easy from the outset to see where the movie is going and how it’s going to get there.
NOT ENOUGH DRAGOS. The Dragos are portrayed as dynamic, borderline-sympathetic characters that are trying to rebuild the life they lost after Rocky stunned Ivan in their epic fight. Seeing the way they are treated by their own people adds some real dimension to their struggle and their characters, but the movie never fully fleshes out their hardships. You’re left wishing you knew more details about their struggle (which is bad), but intrigued by the possibility of seeing more of them (which is good). Viktor isn’t given much to do outside of the ring, and barely speaks to anyone other than his father. All that said, he’s still a fascinating character, and he has the potential to be the new “Apollo” to Adonis’ “Rocky.”
ADONIS IS AN A-HOLE AT TIMES. Adonis' is characterized by his passion and his volatile temper, but there are a few times where he's a complete prick to Rocky and you just want to slap him. These flaws are part of what makes him an interesting character, but he never seems to apologize or repent of the way he treats people in his anger. Too often the other characters seem to just tolerate his outrage in way that almost seems borderline enabling. I want my hero to be likable, and for me, part of that includes owning your mistakes. Maybe that's something we'll see added to the character as he continues to grow moving forward.
Movie Rating: B+
Conclusion
It’s not the best entry in the “Rocky” anthology, but it’s a good one and it adds some intriguing new layers to the story that have the potential to be explored in future films. It’s a familiar narrative, but it’s well told, incredibly acted, and tugs at the heart strings at several points along the way. It’s a must-see if you’re a diehard “Rocky” fan and just a downright good film to check out even if you aren’t.
Comments