Coming off of the huge success that the first Creed film had, Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone managed to give a great performance in the sequel. Big fight scenes that display both fighters cut up and throwing haymakers highlight the film. The plot centers around Adonis Creed (Jordan) having to defend his title against Victor Drago (Florian Munteanu). If you are familiar with the Rocky film series, you would pick up on the fact that Victor’s father Ivan killed Adonis’s father in the ring. This makes the match extremely personal.

Jordan, coming off of the success of the Marvel movie Black Panther, continued to prove that he is one of the best. His dedication to the character is shown by having solid boxing skills and training to look like a heavyweight boxer. The film did a good job of developing Creed’s character throughout the film. In the first fight with Drago, he overlooked his opponent and didn’t understand his purpose for fighting other than retaining his heavyweight boxing championship. He got destroyed in the fight and only kept his championship because of a disqualification that landed him in the hospital. But then everything changed for him when he had a baby with his fiance Bianca (Tessa Thompson). It gave him something to fight for other than avenging the death of his father Apollo.

Rocky (Stallone) also developed well during the movie. Rocky has always been ashamed of himself for not stopping the fight between his best friend Apollo Creed and Ivan Drago. So when he hears that Drago’s son wants to fight Creed, he wants nothing to do with it and doesn’t train him for the fight. As the movie goes on, Rocky realizes Adonis needs him in his corner so he will be physically and mentally ready. Rocky is also inspired by the great job Creed is doing as a father to his newborn daughter. This inspires him to go visit his son and grandson who he hasn’t seen in years. As Stallone ages he doesn’t lose a step as a actor. From being a ripped championship boxer to becoming a trainer for creed, Stallone has aged well with his character in the 42 year film series.

The movie did a good job giving the viewer a reason to root for the Drago family instead of them feeling like people you have to not like. Ivan Drago being disliked  in his home country of Russia after losing to Rocky made you feel bad for him despite his past actions.

This film answered cliffhangers that had been left unanswered for years. After avenging his father and having a child, Adonis is finally growing into his full potential as a man and a champion. Rocky is getting back involved with his family and not isolating himself. Even Ivan Drago is overcoming his demons and showed that he has emotions and cares about more than himself. It will be interesting to see where they go from here. Creed 2 is a much watch especially if you are a fan of the series.