Creed II packs a punch and retains its heavyweight champion belt.

Rating: 8/10 (7 December 2018)

The 'Rocky' franchise has spanned many decades, bolstering brutal fist fights and acclaimed scenes of cinematic showmanship. Much like its predecessor, this sequel eloquently balances the personal life of Adonis Creed and the exhilarating boxing matches, creating a film that feels more like a personal journey. A conquest in creating a legacy. Creed is now the heavyweight champion of the world, in which the infamous Russian boxer Ivan Drago let's his son challenge Creed, making for his most personal fight yet. Boxing films and most sports films in general are predictable. They follow a formula. Yes, this sequel is over reliant on said formula and loses the freshness of Coogler's previous entry, which remains superior. However, this is such an assured and solidly made film that I just couldn't help but sit there and get myself involved. A low blow to the rib cage? I punched the person sitting next to me. Struggling to get back up? I'm on the edge of my seat muttering "come on! Get up!". It's infectiously entertaining, and the reason for that is due to the astute focus on Creed as a character. His burning desire for Bianca as they start a family. His thirst for redeeming his father's name after Ivan killed him in the ring. Not only is he wanting to leave a legacy in the sports world, but also in his own personal world. Stallone's script and Caple's directing allowed an adequate balance of this, enabling every punch thrown to be of the utmost importance. And my God do you feel them! Jordan is a tank, and clearly all those months of training have been worth it. But Munteanu, a professional boxer, is an absolute machine. A beast of juggernaut proportions. Highlighting the "David vs Goliath" scenario that Creed must face head on. Performances were excellent all round, particularly Stallone, Jordan and Thompson. Lundgren reprises his role and actually does a decent job, establishing a delicate father and son relationship. Also, that final match made me sweat, profusely might I add. Exhilarating, energetic and exhausting. I need a drink...