In 2015, the Rocky franchise added a new angle to it by focusing on a new character named Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan). Johnson, the illegitimate son of Rocky’s late rival/best friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers),sought the tutelage of Balboa as he strived for a successful boxing career. This story lead to the highly successful Creed, which went on make $173 million worldwide on a budget of $35 million, hit 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and scored a Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination for supporting actor Sylvester Stallone.
Related – Why Michael B. Jordan Got Bigger For Creed II
Now, on the eve of the release of the film’s sequel, Creed II, critics are releasing their reviews for the sequel which this time around pits Johnson against Victor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), the man responsible for the death of Johnson’s father, Apollo (see Rocky IV). The film is currently (at the time of this publication) sitting at 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s what some critics are saying:
“Although Creed II doesn’t have the same rousing magic as the last chapter, it offers intriguing parallel plots of fathers and sons trying to find redemption after loss.” — Brian Truitt, USA Today.
“So, sure, Creed II has elements of boxing to it, but the heart of the story is with these men dealing with the emotions of fatherhood, opening up, and owning their past mistakes to move on with their futures.” — Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue.
“Merely adopting a formula is easy – that happens all too often. Investing in a formula, making it breathe – that’s the challenge, and Creed II meets it.” — Mike LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle.
“By playing things too safe, it loses the power and spontaneity that gave Creed its energy and drive.” — James Berardinelli, ReelViews.
“Creed II is a terrific movie, a boxing picture full of inspired sweetness and shrewd science that honors the cherished traditions of the genre while feeling like something new and exciting in the world.” — A.O. Scott, New York Times.
Creed II is in theaters nationwide today.