Legacy Cemented

     How many of us have goals? *Looks around room...sees everyone's hands raised* How many of us have full knowledge and comprehension of the reasons for our goals and have actually said them out loud? *Looks around room...sees significantly fewer hands raised* This is the primary question addressed in the hard hitting 8th installment of the Rocky Franchise "Creed 2."

     These are the questions Stallone and Co. have given us to think about with this nostalgic masterpiece that shows Michael B. Jordan even more ripped than last time but also shouldering more responsibility away from the ring this time around. With splendid acting, renewed rivalries, side and thought provoking storylines outside of our protagonist, awe inspiring nostalgia, and a journey for redemption, the film leaves you with a deep sense of satisfaction and desire to do better for yourself in every aspect. Let's rewind momentarily.

     Three years ago, we had the pleasure of being introduced to the most dynamic character of the Rocky Franchise to date in the form of Adonis Creed (No easy feat for a franchise that dates back to 1976). Last time we saw "Donnie," he was a mere eight seconds away from defeating "Pretty Ricky" Conlan to claim the heavyweight championship as a severe underdog similar to Rocky's near takedown of his late father Apollo Creed in the first chapter. Fast forward three years later, and Donnie has more heavily perfected his craft to the tune of actually being the heavyweight champion with a KO of current champion Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler. With this most recent victory, Donnie truly has nowhere to go but down.

     While Donnie's achievements are admirable (Heavyweight champion and gorgeous girlfriend, Bianca has just accepted his less than stellar and rather wobbly marriage proposal), he still holds some insecurities which are exploited by new challenger "Viktor Drago" (very well portrayed by Florian Munteanu who doesn't actually deliver a line until one hour and twelve minutes into the film). Viktor, even more vicious and mean than he actually appears, just so happens to be the son of "Ivan Drago" the ultimate villain from 1985's "Rocky IV" and responsible party for Apollo's death. Driven by a desire to prove himself to the rest of the world and a small amount of revenge, Donnie accepts the challenge against the advice of Rocky and several others.

     It is at this moment we can see the crossroads both characters are left to face. Foolish pride versus good sense. Ego versus humility. Blind faith versus evident choice. Within the conversation, Rocky asks him very seriously "Why do you want to do this?" Donnie angrily replies "They killed my Pops, and they are talking shit...I can't let that slide!!" Seeing through the facade, Rocky asks him for the real reason to which Donnie cannot completely put together. Seeing his lack of reasoning on top of the fact that Donnie has everything to lose unlike his challenger, this drives Rocky's decision to vote against Donnie accepting the challenge. This brings us back to the original concept of wondering how many of us have full knowledge and comprehension behind our goals.

    Despite our admiration for the lead character, we are hit with an overdose of reality when he is destroyed in the matchup with Drago to the point of hospitalization. The only saving grace is that Drago delivered an illegal hit (A vicious blow that results in a concussion and possible brain damage) while Donnie was on one knee after taking another staggering blow from his opponent. With Drago having "unofficially" won the fight, he is celebrated by his country for having taken down the "Cocky American," similar to his father's accomplishment 33 years ago. However, there is a different edge in this celebration. Viktor finds himself disgusted to be surrounded by the same people who turned their backs on his father after losing to Rocky on Soviet soil. He truly cannot stomach the matter when his mother walks into the room (with another man) knowing that she left him and his dad years ago after Ivan suffered that loss and "embarrassed the country." While he calls for his father to understand his frustration, Ivan justifies their behavior by saying, "I lost! You will not!"

     This situation not only provides a small amount of empathy for two people who are originally painted as villains in the film but forces us to confront the harsh realities of sports. We are forced to tackle the concept of unconditional love or lack thereof in some cases. Realities of what lies deeper regarding whether you win or lose. Realities of how this is about so much more than sports. This is illustrated even further once we see in the second fight Viktor's mom walk out of the arena upon realizing her son is about to lose and "shame the country." Despite his villain like nature, we can't help but to empathize with him in that moment. His only saving grace is when his father in unsuspecting nature actually throws in the towel to stop the fight.

     It is in this moment we finally have some answers. Viktor is fighting out of anger, hurt...deep-seated pain. He is indeed as Rocky said earlier in the film "Raised in hate...he's dangerous." Upon seeing a closeup view of where he comes from, we get a much better understanding of where his pain and motivation come from. After the victory over Drago, Donnie visits his father's grave. He gives a few choice words but ultimately speaks about being able to be at peace. He always wanted to prove he could live up to the hype. He wanted to prove to everyone else and not just himself. Being able to finally say these words out loud give him a level of peace and security he couldn't find within his accomplishments.

    Ultimately, just like in the last film, we are taught valuable lessons with this film. We are taught to conquer our demons. Call them out by name. Own whatever it is you're afraid of, and why you're afraid of it. Face it head on. Then and only then can you begin to grow. Your soul can finally be cleansed. Once that cleansing takes place, your legacy, just like Donnie's, can finally be cemented.