A Vast Spectacle.

Rating: 7/10 (1 December 2018)

What a spectacle to behold. Simply great performances, wonderful choreography, clever camera usage and a great addition to this long and epic saga.
I must state that this films strength lay in its strong performances, I wouldn't go so far as to call them magnificent, but they are good. Dare I even say slightly weaker than the first Creed motion picture, but still very strong. Michael B Jordan was a joy to behold, great work with Tessa Thompson. A very deep and visceral performance, filled with likeable emotion, but still nothing too special. Thompson I believe is truly a rising star, and shines very strongly in her dramatic performances and this is a fine addition to her cinematic anthology.
Sylvester Stallone once again really hits the mark as the classic Rocky Balboa, sparring with such finesse with Jordan. though as I already stated, I believe this to be something of a slight step down from its immediate predecessor. It is a tragedy to hear the news of his stepping down as Rocky, presently it is not known to complete certainty wether this is true or not. But if it is, this was a highly fulfilling performance, and one that will be remembered as a true highlight of his career. All of the Rocky films, but particularly in his later years in Creed, this has been his best work in some would argue, decades.
Steven Caple, Jr definitely has a voice that is distinct from Ryan Coogler, the fighting style definitely is different, but still consistent enough for a gentle flow between the films. The way the fight was handled was not messy, none of this film feels jittery, it really doesn't miss a single beat.
The cinematography was certainly of interest, the colouration focused extensively on deep and light blue hues throughout. Delivering the Drogo's an their Ukrainian/Russian roots very clearly though this clever use of colour. The angles were highly competent, nothing really to criticise, other than it felt a bit standard, definitely not bad. One moment which does standout, is the arrival of Adonis Creed during the final match, that was very interesting. The cinematography in this film was overall very competent but felt a little standard in places.
The screenplay, by Stallone and Juel Taylor felt was by no means bad, but it was very routine. This is something that doesn't sit well in my court of opinion. Yes, this film is good, it is exhilarating and tense, loving and fearful, but it uses the same techniques as previous instalments. Its the same stuff, played again. If it ain't broke don't fix it, which is fair enough, but it feels like a very, very similar product. This film is good, it has wondrous moments, great montages, great dialogue and chemistry, particular with the three main characters, and the more fleshing out of the Drogo antagonists was most appreciated, but it felt a little like the leftovers on Boxing day. Sure its good, but it doesn't feel like the main event that the first Creed film did, this just ain't no Christmas Turkey.
Therefore, while I enjoyed the film and I truly commend its strengths in (although ever so slightly weaker) performances and its directorial take, I cannot claim happiness in its overall execution. But of one overlooks these things I take flaw upon, It is still a very strong and highly enjoyable experience. 7/10