Film: Creed II

GENRE: Drama

RATING: PG-13 for violence and action
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 10 minutes

STARRING: Michael B Jordan (Black Panther, Fruitvale Station)

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky), Tessa Thompson (Thor: Ragnarok, Creed)

DIRECTOR: Steven Caple Jr. (newcomer)

WRITERS: Stallone (Rocky I-III, V) & Juel Taylor (newcomer)

PLOT: Adonis faces off against Viktor Drago, son of his dad’s killer.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Enjoyed Creed and most of the Rocky films.

STORY STUFF: I think I like this one better than the first. The stakes were higher this time around and I found the Dragos a lot more interesting than the last guy. I also enjoyed the Rocky speeches. Of course, it’s pretty predictable but what are you gonna do?

ACTING STUFF: Everyone is at the top of their game. I enjoyed advice-giving healthy Stallone as opposed to dramatic cancer acting Stallone.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: The fights are compelling. Great drama and cinematography. Loved the throwback music cue near the end of the film. Maybe it’s just me, but I was bothered with Tessa Thompson’s long fake fingernails.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You enjoyed Creed and Rocky IV.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Green Book