Creed II Review: 6 Ups & 3 Downs

Ups...

6. It's A Fitting Send-Off For Sylvester Stallone

Don't worry, that's not a spoiler: Sylvester Stallone announced this week that Creed II will most likely be his final time playing Rocky Balboa, and if that's the case, it's most certainly a dignified, fond farewell for the boxing icon.

While the first Creed dealt with Rocky recovering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, this is largely in the rear-view by the time Creed II begins, and there's virtually no hand-wringing about Rocky's health to speak of.

Instead, Rocky gets to take a slightly more subdued role dramatically, serving as Adonis' trainer and spiritual confidante.

Stallone, who co-wrote the movie, gives himself some wonderfully poetic working-class truisms to spit out on regular occasion, ensuring Rocky is about as charming as he's ever been.

Ultimately the film not only cements Rocky as the stalwart mentor, but also shows him experiencing some major personal growth of his own, especially as he comes to reflect on the events of Rocky IV and his relationship with his own son.

Stallone probably won't end up with an Oscar nomination this time around, but the nature of his role is very different and in its own way equally as satisfying, especially if it truly is the end.