It’s hard to believe that the first installment of the Creed franchise was released three years ago. The series is back with a new director, Steven Caple Jr., and a new story.

Several years after his rise to fame, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is enjoying life. He was recently crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World, asked his longtime girlfriend Bianca (Tessa Thompson) to marry him, and they later share the birth of their daughter. But you know this story isn’t going to be all sunshine and roses. Trouble arrives in Philadelphia as Ivan Drago, the Russian boxer responsible for the death of Adonis’ father Apollo, comes to town with his son Viktor (Florian Munteanu). Viktor challenges Adonis to a fight…and…that’s pretty much the gist of the plot.

You may already know what I’m going to say based on how I ended the plot synopsis. I left the theater wanting more from Creed II. For me, the plot was so predictable. It went like this: 1) Good guy is happy and successful, 2) bad guy comes in and challenges that, 3) good guy trains and fights bad guy – and wins. Aside from that, Jordan provides yet another superb performance which salvaged the film. The first installment was good enough that it didn’t need a sequel. But, alas, there was one and it was far from a knockout, pun definitely intended.

I Give It A: C+