I’ll be honest; I haven’t watched a whole lot of movies that came out before the 2000’s. Watched a few from the 90’s, a bunch from the 80’s, and much less from any decade prior. That isn’t to say I haven’t watched any of the classics, just that I’m too busy waiting for the next iteration of the lion king instead. Yeah, I’m that kind of guy.
Anyway, the Rocky films were something I heard so much about as a kid, but had never brought myself to watch them. I would listen to the theme song on youtube, along with watching the training montages when I was, ahem, “still trying to figure out how the gym worked as 14 year old kid”. Years later, I came across Creed, which much like Star Wars 7, chose to come up with a new story revolving around a new character within the same universe. I really loved that movie, and thought that the Rocky franchise was brought back with full force. Me and my friends even watched it at my place, an event that we all referred to as “movie night”. Having a projector playing a movie on the wall with cinema quality audio and the lights off was our way of getting the theatre experience for free. It was awesome alright? You can’t sit with us and our Hardee’s meals.
Anyway, when I heard that there was a sequel building even further on the plot from the first movie, I was thrown. The chance to see Creed Vs Drago again is bound to be a Star Wars level moment for anyone who grew up in the 80’s and loved the Rocky movies. I was not disappointed.
Creed 2 is even better than the first, in a lot of ways. It wastes no time in showing you what you expect to happen, but it’s the second half of the film that really turns into an emotional spectacle of a movie. You really feel for these characters, seeing all of them having grown as people since their last encounter. Creed’s arc is the one that really ends on a high note in the film, bringing up the question of where his character is to go next. I personally would love to see where he does.
For fans of the Rocky films, both new and old, as well as anyone who just wants to watch a good movie, I can assure you that Creed 2 will not disappoint. It manages to bring in more levity this time around, which I think is the new hollywood standard for movies with gritty plots, and yetstill manages to maintain the emotional side to it without faltering.
I rate it a solid 9/10.