Creed II (2018)

I saw Creed (2015) before I'd seen any of the Rocky films, and although it probably means more to Rocky fans, one of Creed's many strengths was that it was written and performed well enough for anyone to enjoy it, whether you were familiar with the world or not. You cared and believed in the characters, and Stallone's transformation from boxing star to ageing coach was, although a well trodden path, one that worked particularly well. When Creed II was announced, aside from obvious financial benefits, you could see there was space and story available to develop the characters. Thankfully, that's exactly what Creed II sets out in doing, and comfortably succeeds. Because we care about the characters, and the situations they are put into (in this case Creed is challenged to a fight by the son of the man who killed his father, Apollo, whilst dealing with relationship issues with his girlfriend, Mother and trainer Stallone) it means we are embroiled alongside them through thick and thin. Michael B. Jordan has been a great actor long before everyone started shouting about him in Black Panther (2018) most notably as a teenager in a bit part in season 1 of The Wire (the greatest thing ever put to a TV screen as we all know) but he is now slowly becoming one of the most impressive and reliable actors of his generation. It's not all his doing, Tessa Thompson is absolutely terrific as Creed's girlfriend Bianca, we are left in no doubt that without her, Creed wouldn't be successful. And then there is, of course, Stallone, who continues to perform in arguably his most famous role in his eighth outing as Rocky. He is every bit as an important part of the film as Creed and Bianca, very much a part of the family. Creed II solidly proves that, somehow, there is still very much room left for the franchise to flourish. 7.0/10