There are many films out there today: independent films, message films, commercial films, obscure films, foreign films and good 'ol well-crafted American films. Well, this review of "Creed II" definitely has an emphasis on the latter. Who knew that when Sylvester Stallone re-invented this franchise with "Rocky Balboa", that it would be the quality we've seen since?
Life has become a balancing act for Adonis 'Johnson' Creed (Michael B. Jordan). 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, namely Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), father of Viktor Drago (Florian "Big Nasty" Munteanu), only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) 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 all 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 past history.
Others to round out the cast are Tessa Thompson as Bianca, Adonis' girlfriend, Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed, Adonis' mother, Russell Hornsby as Buddy Marcelle, a fight promoter, Wood Harris as Tony 'Little Duke' Burton, Milo Ventimiglia as Robert Balboa, Rocky's son, Robbie Johns as Logan Balboa, Rocky's grandson and Brigitte Nielsen as Lumilla Drago.
This was directed by a virtual newcomer to feature films, Steven Caple Jr. ("The Land" '16) plus TV and many shorts. Although cutting his teeth on the amount of shorts he's been involved in, the characters in this were staged and paced effortlessly. Truly, he could be a natural, but considering that Ryan Coogler, who directed "Creed" '15 and who was one of the executive producer's of this film, would lead one to wonder if the influence of Coogler might have been present, since he is the consummate director as he is. It was as effortlessly written as well as the original by Sylvester Stallone ("Rocky" '76, "F.I.S.T." '78, "Rocky II" '79, "Rocky III" '82, "First Blood" '82, "Rocky IV" '85, "Rambo III" '88, "Rocky V" '90, "Driven '01, "Rocky Balboa" '06, "The Expendables" '10, "Homefront" '13) plus others, TV and videos and Juel Taylor (TV short "Riotville"-completed), which is based on a story by Stallone, Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker, which is also based on characters created by Stallone. Surely Stallone, by shear experience in the writing realm, has learned his craft the more he writes, but this screenplay is definitely one of his best. I'm sure Taylor had pivotal input with this film, however this was Stallone's baby and the well thought, tight, cohesive storyline proved it. Sure, Stallone doesn't venture too far from his comfort zone, but why should he when his stories have evolved to the point of amazing stories in and of themselves? All the characters were well delineated and no character was wasted or lost in the screenplay. Certainly having Michael B. Jordan in the title role didn't hurt--he is a chameleon of sorts and is willing to play any part, but Stallone has paid his dues. Other than a couple of very small slow areas, this script was spot on! If you like Stallone writing, not to worry, his "Rambo 5" is being filmed at this time for a 2019 release.
I was not much of a "Rocky" fan in the past, but as this franchise has grown over this many decades, I've gotten used to the character of Rocky Balboa, mostly because of the ease in which Stallone has pulled this off. This is the quintessential well-crafted American film which will get you on your feet and cheer.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 130mins.
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