Creed 1 was a KNOCKOUT, while Creed 2 is an Uppercut

Rating: 7/10 (22 November 2018)

Act 1 was inconsistent as it tried to recapture the magic that Creed 1 showcased so effortlessly. The tracking shots Coogler is known for doesn't have the same effect as it did in the first one. And it feels like this entire fight is contrived and relies more on the DRAGO shock factor rather than building unto the character of Creed instead they kept him stagnant until certain things happen. And those certain things happen REALLY FAST. (No SPOILERS)
Act 2 was okay at best. One of the big differences from this movie versus the last one is that in the first one all the actors had room to breathe and actually act. This movie especially in the second act sets up the characters for that but doesn't really give them the screen time they needed. We see Creed basically get to rock bottom but the film doesn't expand on that and dedicates maybe a scene to that situation and then it just moves along. While somehow and someway they're able to build on Drago's story and make Viktor more likeable and I feel for him more than I do for Creed. Not necessarily a bad thing but a thing I noticed.
Act 3, in which the movie finally feels like a CREED movie. It captures some of the magic from the first Creed and the emotions and stakes are really high for both fighters. Can't say much without spoiling but this act is really good.
Overall I feel like they rushed to put 2 movies into 1 instead of doing what a Rocky 1-3 did. The script lacked here and the acting was a step down from last movie. This includes all cast members surprisingly except the mother. There wasn't enough time to process what was actually happening in Creed's life while juggling other subplots and they TRIED to match the tone of Act 3 the entire movie but it didn't work. Still an enjoyable movie and worth the watch if you want to continue the Creed story