This is a film that knows exactly what it means to be a Rocky film. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else and it triumphs in that space. I’ve always felt that Rocky films have been misunderstood when it comes to their place in film. They defined many of the tropes that come with its genre and it flourishes in that area.  These are films that operate in the positive masculine space of promoting pride, mental and emotional strength, strong will, and determination.  These are films about men having to dig deep into themselves to find a reason to push forward, not to save anyone, but for something on the inside. Creed 2 plays to those strengths in spades.

The movie picks up an undisclosed amount of time after the first film with Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) having his first title match after a while of earning his way up the boxing ranks. After becoming champion something changes in Adonis, he takes a huge step with his girlfriend, Bianca, (Tessa Thompson) and things seem to be moving in a very positive direction. At the same time, we are introduced to Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu) whose life is a stark contrast to the position that Adonis is in. In a lot of ways, Viktor is playing a similar part to the one Adonis had in the first film. Fighting his way underground with a name bigger and more storied than his. To give any more away would be spoiling, but that dichotomy creates a foe for Adonis that is less an antagonist or bad guy and more against a physical manifestation of what he’s afraid of.  That framing of Drago as being less of a villain and more of an actual hurdle to get Adonis to confront his fear makes a compelling journey. The film also gives the former his own arc which isn’t as fleshed out but is interesting and sympathetic in its own right. This consistent theme keeps the films focus front and center, even with its subplots.

The cast in this film is excellent. Michael B. Jordan is giving the best acting of his career as Adonis Creed. His display of emotion in this film is incredible and he owns many moments by himself on screen, just emoting and visually showing the struggle his character is going through. As much as he stole the show in parts of this year’s Black Panther, I think this is the role he should be remembered for this year. He is given a lot to deal with and plays well with every member of the cast. Great stuff from him. Stallone, though looking like a robot wearing a skin suit at times, is pretty damn captivating as the aging Rocky looking for something to hold on to. Its a minor plot revolving Rocky and his own son that has a pretty nice payoff and adds to the concept of legacy this film and series deals with, and Stallone gives a believable and sad performance. The supporting cast gets some shine as well with both Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad (who continues to age like the finest wine) playing their parts with tons of care and emotion. Newcomer Florian Munteanu doesn’t have much to say as Drago, but his size and dominating presence make him a monster on screen, yet there is a subtle vulnerability there that works well with Dolph Lundgren’s stoic Ivan.

Director Steven Caple Jr. has presented the BEST LOOKING Rocky film of all time. Rocky is the granddaddy of montages, and the ones in Creed 2 are the best looking and sounding I’ve ever seen. The camera moves and holds in such a way that you grit teeth at what you are seeing. From landed punches to triumphant yells of passion, this film bleeds style. Training sequences are shot in such a way that make you feel every moment and cheer at every obstacle defeated, every failure hurts, the camera acts as an emotional tool that is so damn effective.