Better than the first? I think so!

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2018)

Creed II
I'm probably one of the very few people that actually enjoyed Creed II more than the original.
Considering I gave the first Creed movie a 10/10 score on IMDB this sequel exceeded all my expectations.
Formulaic it may be but when you have a formula as tried and tested as the Rocky franchise then this is no bad thing.
Creed II is a hugely exciting movie. One that only works if you have seen Rocky IV and understand the history and rivalry of the Creed's and the Drago's.
Adonis Creed played brilliantly again by the always likeable Michael B Jordan is the newly crowned Heavyweight champion of the world.
His life is rocked when he is challenged by the son of the man who infamously killed his father in the ring.
A challenge that Adonis cannot decline even if it jeopardises his friendship with long time trainer Rocky Balboa.
Director Steven Caple Jr has delivered a movie that could have been ridiculously contrived and cheesy but instead is totally believable.
We the audience are convinced by some solid storytelling that Ivan Drago and Apollo Creed did actually fight each other thirty three years ago and Drago did kill Apollo.
This film works because of strong character development.
The Drago family is fleshed out offering a view point from their side of the fence.
The story arcs of each individual urges the audience to invest heavily in what is transpiring on screen.
Creed II is a tremendous looking film and Caple Jr's picture is being unfairly compared to Ryan Cooglers work on the first film.
Ok there may not be some of Cooglers interesting camera work that graced the first film but Caple Jr still handled this film with expertise.
Shots like the underwater pool scene is stunning and the director certainly knows how to sell a punch!
Each landing blow can be felt.
The blows are devastating not only because they are physically powerful but because they're emotionally powerful too.
We the audience feel the blows because we are made to care.
This once again down to the strong character development, direction and performances by all
Stallone is again perfect as Rocky and Jordan is real star material.
As for the Drago's, Dolph Lundgren gives probably the best performance of his career as a bitter and weathered Ivan. His country tossed him out like garbage after his loss to Balboa.
Florian Munteneu as Viktor Drago is a locomotive with menacing screen presence.
He may not be experienced as an actor but his pectorals do all the talking he needs.
A huge tank of a man that looks way too big and strong for Adonis Creed.
Stellar support from Tessa Thompson adds to the dynamic of this movie.
Her relationship with Adonis goes further to strengthen this films believability.
Subplots involving the two make this like the original Rocky movie much more than just a film about boxing.
Creed II is going to be a movie that will transfer
beautifully on to Blu-ray.
Projected on to a cinema screen the picture looked sharp and colours popped.
I can only imagine how splendid this will look in UHD HDR.
Sound quality should be another highlight. In the cinema each punch had a delicious thud that I believe will give any decent subwoofer a good workout.
Creed II was marvellous!
Should they continue with the franchise or let it rest?
Of course they should continue. I'd pay to see more.