Creed II is running in the theatres near you and being one of the most anticipated movies of December 2018, the movie has not been able to live up to the expectations.
When Ryan Coogler’s Creed was released in 2015, it was the air that was breathed into the lungs of the Rocky franchise and suddenly we all were witnessing it. The movie revolves around Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of late Apollo Creed with Sylvester Stallone coming back to portray Rocky Balboa almost after a decade as the coach of Adonis.
Three years later, comes the sequel to movie starring, Michael B. Jordan aka Killmonger from Black Panther. He was one of the primary reasons the 2015 movie also worked. But this time, despite his strong performance, the fans and critics are not entertained. One of the biggest reasons is the storyline. Though, let me clarify that it is based on the storyline of Rocky II and Rocky IV.
To be honest, the film has many things that could’ve made it better. But, after watching the movie, I don’t think there will be any Creed III. Even the video posted by Sylvester Stallone on Instagram, suggests that Creed II was the last time we will be witnessing Rocky Balboa. Well, we all assumed something similar when Rocky V did not receive good reviews from the critics. The future will be revealed soon.
What are the reasons behind the failure of Creed II? Well, there are many, but we will be counting down the five most important ones, so check them out and tell us what you think.
No Ryan Coogler
Now, if you ask a fan of any franchise what if a sequel is being planned without the director of the first film, then he or she will certainly not agree with it. Well, after an unbelievable knockout punch in the first part with Ryan Coogler as the director, Creed looked like one of the few spin-off franchises that will succeed.
But then came the second one, and all the dreams are shattered. I am not saying that the current director, Steven Caple Jr. did not do justice but there are things which he could’ve done in a better manner.
And another reason why the movie could’ve been better with the presence of Ryan Coogler is his chemistry with Michael B. Jordan. They both have worked together in two of the biggest movies of their careers, Creed and Black Panther. So, the bond would have also played an important role.
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Storyline
As I said earlier, the movie copies the incident that took place in Rocky II and Rocky IV and that’s the biggest problem. We all are aware that Rocky IV is one of the best movies ever made in Hollywood and following in its footsteps or even creating such a masterpiece again is literally one of the toughest things anyone could do.
Steven Caple with the help of Sylvester Stallone tries to achieve this but fails miserably. There are many holes in the plot like the management of the events and other factors that kill the script of Rocky IV completely.
Though, I would like to mention that Michael B. Jordan does a great job while portraying Adonis Creed. I don’t think there was any hole in the acting part, but the storyline blew people away. And, most importantly, people have already watched it and introducing something similar is like creating a common boxing movie.
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The lackluster Portrayal By Dragos
This can contradict with many of the readers and critics, but it is one of the biggest facts. Creed II had the golden plotline from Rocky IV, which is considered as the best movie of the franchise. But, the biggest problem is Viktor Drago.
He lacks aggression and brutality when compared to his father, Ivan Drago. Even the thing that is confusing is why they need to continue or create a similar plot to that of Rocky franchise.
I mean, there could’ve been some major improvements like the casting, portrayal, and management of intense moments and the film would’ve been on a whole another level than what it is today. And, if the film could have relied less on the past events or precisely Rocky IV, then the fans would’ve got something new to remember and cherish.
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Too Many Things To Handle
The movie combines two films from the franchise, and this means that they have many things to handle at once. In the beginning, the center of the attention is Adonis’ relationship with Bianca. They get engaged and move to Los Angeles.
And just like this one, there are several different patches included in the story to make it look more than a boxing movie. So many things were mixed by Sylvester Stallone even his sadness which made the film aimless and dry.
Though, one thing I felt was that Viktor is the Creed of the film. He was the one who was fighting despite a bad history or should I say legacy that his father, Ivan left. He had to overcome all the odds whereas Adonis is on the top of the world with World Championship wrapped around his waist.
All-in-all, the complexity of making Rocky IV again made them commit these types of mistakes.
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The Movie Ended, But No Sequel Can Be Made
Well, Adonis Creed as we would’ve thought comes out on top at the end of the film and it is something we all knew before the film starts. So, how will the series continue? Then came, Sylvester Stallone’s Instagram post that hints at the end of his journey as Rocky.
So, there are a lot of things which I believe made this film a star-studded lackluster. It’s similar to 2006 when Rocky had to hang his boots and give up the boxing ring and the world actually had no idea if he would come back.
The only reason that I would suggest you watch the movie is if you are a fan of the Rocky franchise and it might very well be the character’s last onscreen appearance. So, it is better to bid farewell to one of the most beloved characters ever created.
