In the wake of one of the most applauded franchises and its rousing 2016 spin-off, it wasn’t enough for there to be just a Creed 2 in this day and age. Such a franchise dare not forget the explosive chapter that unfolded 33 years ago when Rocky IV sought to serve as the page-turning social commentary relevant for its time.

It also offset a key precursor in inaugrating the events that preset Ryan Coogler’s spin-off to its own acclaim with actor Michael B. Jordan succeeding the narrative for a new generation of moviegoers. That succession continues with Stephen Caple Jr. at the helm for a new round of compelling drama dedicating to rip open new wounds by way of old scars…

Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.

Say hello to Dolph Lundgren who returns in brooding-mad form as the once defeated Ivan Drago, and who apparently now has a son who wishes to make the same example with our protagonist as the previous trailer from the summer indicated. That killer offspring would be Romanian/German boxing star-cum-debut actor Florian Munteanu now making his way to the screen as the towering Viktor Drago in addition to Rocky saga star Sylvester Stallone in his return to the screen.

Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward and Russell Hornsby also star in, for the foreseable future, may prove to be an equally impactful chapter in the consuming Rocky saga.

Creed 2 releases on November 21.

1 of 2 - + 1. 2.

Like this Article? Subscribe to Our Feed!

Lee B. Golden III filmcombatsyndicate@gmail.com | Website Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.