Review of Creed II (2018) by Nick C — 30 Nov 2018

Creed 2 hit on so many levels for me. Amazing performances, especially by Michael B. Jordan who just brings his character Adonis Creedï¿ 1/2 1/2 1/2(TM)s personal development to the forefront of the movie.

Some may say that the movie starts out slow, but as it was more of a drama in the beginning leading to the culmination of an 80s training montage and final fight scene that the choreography and intensity will get your adrenaline pumping, I would compare to lighting a fuse that burns slowly to a stunning fireworks show.

And yes, the fight scene in the end is what brings the movie home; I was on the edge of my seat, bobbing and weaving with Adonis, wincing with each connected hit from the Gorilla sized Florian Munteanu who plays Drago (side note, Michael B.

it's absolutely jacked in this film, but dwarfed by Florian), and the suspense that builds up to this scene and even between rounds so palpable you can taste it. But the truly impressive part to this movie was the dramatic 1st and 2nd act.

It brought up things that most people have had to deal in life such as the fear and uncertainty of becoming a parent, the fear of having a child with a disability and how you will deal with it, and the pressure society puts on men and taught how they should deal with emotions (that some would call toxic masculinity) to name a few.

You would think all this emotional stuff in a badass boxing film doesn't make sense, but I promise, it somehow, just works! Now I won't go on record saying this movie was flawless, but the issues I had were minuscule, such as what seemed to be forced scenes/lines involving Rocky, and an underdeveloped Drago storyline (most likely cut for runtime), but overall, in my opinion, this is easily a top 3 movie of the year.

Speaking of Drago, though he is the antagonist, you don't hate him! Especially as the movie progresses and his character develops and you understand his motivation to fight, I ended up liking him.

So if you couldn't tell by now, I am saying go see this movie, in theaters if you can as it's just as much an experience as it is the story that delivers (the Dolby theater sound/base helps you feel those hits).