Creed II continues the nods to the original Sylvester Stallone movies by introducing Viktor Drago. While original villain Dolph Lundgren will appear as Ivan Drago, Creed II repeats the first movie’s trick of introducing the son of an iconic character and Drago Jr is played by Romanian boxer Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu, who clocks in at a terrifying 6’4″. Obviously this sets up an emotional punch, since Ivan Drago killed Creed’s father, Apollo in the 1985 sequel Rocky IV. However, many critics have pointed out the Creed sequel already feels a little “stale” and just rehashes what has been seen before but with less success. Others, though, praise it as a strong new entry to the franchise.

SCROLL DOWN FOR CREED II REVIEWS ROUND-UP

Slate: “It’s depressing that after Creed’s success, Creed II feels like it’s just a step above a straight-to-video knockoff, designed to get a little more from the first movie’s audience but not to increase it.”

Hollywood Reporter: “Nothing here has been freshly thought out, nor is there a drop of surprise as to the story’s trajectory, forcing the viewer to tolerate conventional emotional beats and stale plot contrivances.”

Mashable: “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.”

Variety: “Creed II has been made with heart and skill, and Jordan invests each moment with such fierce conviction that he makes it all seem like it matters.”

Entertainment Weekly: “The Land director Steven J. Caple Jr. has made a rousing tale about fathers and sons, guilt and redemption, loneliness and family – just the sort of big, sledgehammer-subtle themes that have always propelled the series.”

Newsday: “Creed II may not be the freshest entry in the franchise, but it’s a solid sports drama that makes the most of its soulful young star, Michael B Jordan.”

IGN Movies: “The only thing driving the story forward is the strength of Michael B Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Sylvester Stallone’s performances, but they’re nearly lost in a sea of missed opportunities.”

The Playlist: “Creed II is exactly what you want from a Rocky/Creed film: it’s engaging, emotional, gripping, and entertaining, pushing the characters forward in all the right ways.”

Guardian:  “Elevated by a central trio of winning performances and a director who provides equal weight to drama in and out of the ring, Creed II deserves to be cheered.”

Creed 2 will be released in cinemas on November 30, 2018.