Creed packs an intense punch from performances and an inspiring story.

Rating: 8/10 (12 December 2018)

Creed 2 (4 out of 5 stars).
Creed 2 packs a wild punch as a sequel based on a spin off on the Rocky series on the character Adonis Creed. Yes, the plot feels a little similar to the previous films. Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is having a great life with small boxing fights, moving to the next step with his relationship Bianca (Tessa Thompson) who's music career is taking off, and Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) still helps him as a friend. In Russia, Ivan (Dolph Lundgren) and his son Viktor (Florian Munteanu) is rising up in the boxing world and plans to get respect back after being disgraced when his father lost to Rocky. Viktor plans to challenge Adonis Creed to a boxing match. Rocky hesitant on Creed taking the challenge after Ivan's fight with Adonis father did not end well and Rocky is still left a little scarred. Adonis will train himself and push harder to face against Viktor.
The plot was good. Similar to the previous films but it is about the inspirational story with Adonis Creed. The film may have a central theme about being a father figure and being there for family. With Adonis afraid of starting a family and inspired by his father. While Rocky is having a struggling relationship with his distant son. And Ivan trying to inspire his son Viktor. A lot of things is going and moving with the plot and its inspirational theme. The pay off with Adonis training after a brutal first fight with Viktor is spectacular. And the boxing fight with Adonis and Viktor is intense and brutal. You can feel the punches Adonis takes in and the strength to not give up.
Michael B. Jordan was great yet again. Sylvester Stallone aging as Rocky but delivers a great character. Tessa Thompson was great too. And has a couple of musical sequences with her singing career which was stunning. And Dolph Lundgren and Florian Munteanu were both great. More quiet type of characters but menacing from their facial performances.
Overall, Creed 2 is a good film. The story is inspirational with father themes. The acting was great. The training and fight sequences are intense and brutal. It may be a little long with its pacing but definitely a good movie.