‘Creed II’ Review Round-Up: ‘Slack And Unexciting,’ ‘Satisfying and Sweet’

Critics have weighed in on Creed II and the latest chapter of the Rocky series has received mixed reviews.

Although fans were excited to see Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed reunite for another match, many were curious to see if the sequel could live up its acclaimed predecessor without Ryan Coogler at the helm. Now, critics have shared their reviews for the film and while some are in Creed II‘s corner, others were not nearly as impressed as they were by the previous film.

IndieWire’s Eric Kohn:

“[The film] follows all the familiar motions revived with Creed. But in the context of this resilient franchise, the movie hits each beat with the calculated precision of its tireless fighter.”

AV Club’s Jesse Hassenger:

“Just as Rocky was too low-key and charming to spawn a fully worthy successor for several decades, Creed so elevates its franchise roots that even a pretty good sequel can’t land with the same impact. Then again, a 2018 movie called Creed II expanding on Rocky IV to become one of the better Rocky movies may be another minor miracle on its own.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy:

“As Rocky II was to Rocky, so is Creed II to its powerhouse progenitor — that is, a pale shadow of its daddy. Slack and unexciting compared to Ryan Coogler’s blisteringly good 2015 reconception of a 1970s icon for modern audiences, this follow-up is an undeniable disappointment in nearly every way, from its dreary homefront interludes to a climactic boxing match that feels far-fetched in the extreme.”

Los Angeles Times‘ Justin Chang:

“if cinematic history is doomed to repeat itself, it’s comforting to remember that sameness is one of the reasons we go to a boxing picture in the first place, where even the hoariest B-movie clichés, much like a well-practiced swing or punch, can still land with devastating force and feeling.”

The Guardian‘s Benjamin Lee:

“While it’s not quite the showstopper that its predecessor was, Creed II is still another knockout piece of entertainment… Even though the majority of audience members will be able to predict the film’s trajectory despite an early attempt at a surprise, this has no adverse effect on one’s enjoyment. There’s almost something comforting about the formula especially when it’s laid out with such vibrancy and, as in Creed, such heartfelt humanity.”

Polygon’s Karen Han:

“It’s funny… that this sequel should feel like it’s struggling to fill its predecessor’s shoes, given the way its characters struggle with much the same thing. Unlike Adonis and Viktor, however, Creed II never manages to step out of that shadow.”

Mashable’s Angie Han:

“[The film] mostly works. It’s not quite as smart as Creed, or quite as beautiful, and it doesn’t have as much depth or nuance or texture. But it’s got enough to deliver something satisfying and sweet.”

Are you excited to see the film and judge for yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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.

Directed by Steven Caple Jr. from a script written by Cheo Hodari Coker and Sylvester Stallone, Creed II stars Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Dolph Lundgren, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, and Buddy Marcelle.

Creed II will be released in theaters on November 21, 2018.