Will Adonis Find his voice in Creed II

by Kathia Woods

Rocky has been a part of our lives for over twenty years. He has a special relationship with the audience. Creed brought in a new generation and a new people's champ. "Creed II" continues that climb.

Adonis isn't the champ, but he's poised to take the next step. Gone is the mystery here is the spotlight of fame. This calling is pushing Adonis into a direction that he may not be physically nor mentally ready for, that's at the heart of this movie the other is family.

Rocky aka Sylvester Stallone is trying to warn him of the challenges that come with stepping into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Adonis eager to prove that he's his father's son doesn't listen.

On the other side of the world is Drago. Living in disgraced obscurity but watching the rise of Adonis intently. The son of the man he killed rising while his son discarded like yesterday’s trash.

He sees an opportunity to regaining glory to retain his membership into the upper echelon of Russian sports. Viktor, the obedient son, goes along with the plan. He's tired of seeing his father disrespected and saw this as an opportunity to perhaps reconnect with his mother.

Two camps both looking to fulfill a legacy.

Along the way naturally, are stumbling blocks. Adonis must realize it's not just about him but there's also Bianca. Bianca has placed her dreams on hold to support his career. There's also his mother Mary played by the beautiful Phylicia Rashad. I liked this story. I loved how Sly's script tied the present to the future. After all, we have known these characters for a while. We grew up with them. Present are still the great boxing sequences and physical challenges with a thumping soundtrack to accompany them. We also have a moving story. Bianca receives more dept than just being a girlfriend portrayed by the talented Tessa Thompson. The second generation is not only present in the principal characters but the supporting cast. Wood Harris is Tony 'Little Duke' Burton representing Apollo's early beginning but with a modern twist. Steven Caple Jr., the director, was met with much skepticism when he was chosen to direct this movie however he has lived up to the challenge. Once again, the City of Brotherly Love is on full display, but we get a little mix of Cali as well.

The old is woven in purposefully into the new. Some may find this telling of the Rocky saga to story driven with not enough fight scenes, but this is Adonis’s story. "Creed II" is about us getting to know the man beneath the fighter. In the end it’s also about fathers and sons. Sons that have earned the right to do it their way. Adonis and Victor have. Both men gain more in the end than money and a belt.

Diversity - This movie has, African American principal characters, co-stars as well as director and producers. It also has an international cast hence earning a score of 9.

Scale- The overall movie receives a 9 for entertainment, a good story and solid performances.