Creed II: Second Round

It all starts with an underdog boxer named Rocky in 1976. And a writer and actor named Sylvester Stallone.

Rocky has since appeared in seven other movies in a span of over 40 years. It’s become the top sports movie franchise in film history.

Now, there’s just this kid named Adonis Creed stepping into the ring.  

Creed II arrived March 5. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on February 12.

BOXER

Rocky Balboa’s story initially ended in 2006. This changed because of a man named Ryan Coogler (The future Black Panther director.) He co-wrote and directed Creed. Which was released in 2015.

Creed is a spin-off and also a sequel. It continues the story within the world of Rocky Balboa. But gives the spotlight to a new boxer, Adonis Creed played by a very good Michael B. Jordan. Adonis is the son of Apollo Creed, who is featured in the initial Rocky movies.

The story was unexpected enough that Stallone was even hesitant to do it.

The idea seemed to work, though. Creed received much critical acclaim - many calling it one of the best Rocky movies in years. Stallone won his first ever Golden Globe because of it. And awarded the third Oscar nomination of his career. The movie took in over $173 million at the worldwide box office.

Guess the pressure was on for a sequel. Coogler moved to an executive producer role. Stallone returned to his writing roots of Rocky with a co-writer credit with Juel Taylor. The story credit goes to Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker. Steven Caple Jr. went behind the camera as a director.

Jordan and Stallone reprised their roles. Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, Florian Munteanu and Russell Hornsby rounded out the cast. Dolph Lundgren returns as Ivan Drago, as he first appeared in Rocky IV. Drago is someone who made a lasting impression on the lives of Rocky and Creed.              

Creed II did not receive as much acclaim as the first round. It was only 84% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Creed’s 95%. But that didn’t seem to matter, Creed II saw more people going to the theatre.

Stats says over $213 million at the worldwide box office.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? No.

If you are a fan of Rocky, Creed or boxing movies in general, you should.

I say no because I don’t own any of the other Rocky/Creed movies. I like them, but I’m perfectly fine with renting, streaming or looking for that discount DVD price.

It is a spin-off/sequel to seven other films…so start with buying a movie called Creed II? It’s not a way to go. I think, anyway.

Creed II can be called a ‘boxing’ movie. There are really only three big matches highlighted in the 130-minute story. When they come, they are intense though. The way the fights are filmed, I cringed at some of those punches. There is also the requisite training montage, which pops up in basically every Rocky movie.

Creed II is also a drama. I think Michael B. Jordan and Stallone don’t miss too many acting steps from their relationship in Creed. They both struggle with the appearance of Drago and what it means...while trying to deal with issues in their personal lives.      

There are many changes in Creed’s relationship with his girlfriend. Played by Tessa Thompson. 

There are even moments focused just on Drago and his son, and the fallout they have had to deal from over 30 years ago.

I have a feeling the characters are a small part why Rocky's world is still going on after all these years.

Will there be a Creed III? The movie doesn’t give it a solid answer.

I won't be in any rush to buy it, but I don't think I will mind watching it.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Fathers and Sons (7 minutes, 16 seconds.)

- Focus on the idea of family within the story from Creed to Drago. Apparently, they blend in some ‘Shakespearean’ aspects for the drama.

Casting Viktor Drago (5 minutes, 43 seconds)

- Florian Munteanu is Viktor Drago. He is a force in the movie, but this is his first real acting role. He talks about how much work he did for the movie.

The Women of Creed II (5 minutes, 51 seconds)

- Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad discuss their characters and how integral they are to the story. The women power goes back to the original Rocky and how much Adrian turned out to be a big part of his life.

The Rocky Legacy (15 minutes, 1 second.)

- If you are a Rocky fan, this is the feature to watch. It talks about the underdog story, the memorable theme music - how Rocky still remains over 40 years later. Stallone and Lundgren even take a deeper look at their fight in Rocky IV.

Deleted Scenes (9 minutes, 46 seconds.)

- There are four scenes. One may be the more interesting to Rocky fans, as he gives a eulogy about someone from the old days. One is an extended sequence of Creed and Bianca at a restaurant. Another is Rocky giving kids training tips.

Warner Brothers Entertainment