Michael B. Jordan is back as the heavyweight champ, but he’s got competition from Jonathan Majors…in acting. This sequel takes place after Creed’s retirement, when he’s a successful business owner and a happy family man. Majors plays a childhood friend who returns to his life after a stint in prison. Their conflict results in the final fight. Jordan does fine, but Majors once again shows his considerable range as he captures the vulnerability and angry power of his character. The first 2 films were helmed by Ryan Coogler, but he’s turned the reins over to Jordan as director and there’s a difference. While there are lots of dramatic moments, they don’t have the emotional heft of the earlier versions. The fights are visceral without being especially powerful. Overall, this is a respectable sequel, but it offers nothing new to the formula. 
(3 / 5)
