Nothing new under the umbrella but fans of the saga should be pleased

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2019)

The champion is back. And not only Rocky Balboa, but Adonis Creed, son of his former colleague and rival Apollo Creed. And this time Creed will have to overcome the obstacles that his rival presents to him to retain his title of world heavyweight champion; for this he will need an arduous training (shown in a musical montage), and overcome the fears and doubts that afflict his emotional state. Also on this occasion he must keep afloat his relationship, as well as a new paternity. All this will lead to a great final fight in which not only the championship but the honor is played.
Does this plot sound familiar? Yes, Creed II does not offer anything new under the table, you know what you're going to see before the movie and if you're there it's because you're a fan of the saga of now eight movies.
The director Steven Caple Jr. knows how to take the story very well, even with the predictable that it can be, because he has adequate handling of the rhythm and the dramatic conflict. The fights are well mounted and sometimes feel more brutal than on other occasions thanks to the sound effects.
Stallone, who also serves as a co-writer, can play this role automatically and fulfills. Tessa Thompson is also charming as Creed's wife and Michael B. Jordan looks at the physical aspect and the choreography of the fights, although he is a bit over-acting in the dramatic aspect.
Special mention for the appearances of old acquaintances of the saga such as Dolph Lungren, Brigitte Bradoch and Milo Ventimiglia, who bring the nostalgia factor to the film.
If you have followed the Rocky saga you will enjoy this movie because it is very well made and it fulfills what it promises. If you expect to see something innovative and novel, you better look for other options.
I'm glad that Rocky Balboa is still among us to inspire and excite us.