“Creed II” may have been the biggest opening for the Rocky franchise, but there was so much more that could have been done with this film. From the beginning, this movie has the potential to branch itself from the franchise, but it leaves you wondering what could have been.

The film resumes years after the events from “Creed” as Adonis Creed takes on a new challenger from both Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed’s past. Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago who killed

Apollo Creed 33 years ago in the ring challenges Adonis as history repeats itself over again.

The biggest flaw in the movie was the lack of originality. The movie falls back on “Rocky IV,” and never seemed to bring its own style to a new audience. Executive producer Ryan Coogler, who directed the first film but didn’t return for the sequel, was able to bring a new type of attitude when he introduced “Creed” to audiences, but it just doesn’t transfer over to the sequel as much as it could have.

When it came down to the boxing parts of the film, it revolved once again with a feeling of you not having enough of it and wanting more. Each match seemed ridiculously short until it came down to the final bout between the sons of Creed and Drago. As soon as the bell rung, the intensity rose along with your adrenaline with every punch thrown and every shot that landed.

The best part of this movie was the character development. The fights outside the ring were played out better than what occurred inside the ring and really shows a different side of all characters and even has you feeling for Ivan and Viktor.

Overall this movie was enjoyable for the newer audiences who have followed the “Creed” series. As for the fans who have followed this series since 1976, you may experience some déjà vu.