One-two punch

‘Rocky IV’-inspired ‘Creed II’ benefits from the further development of Adonis-Rocky relationship, but also from father and son Dragos

In 2015, “Creed” didn’t just breathe new life into the “Rocky” franchise — it gave it a major shot of adrenaline. ¶ With the highly talented Michael B. Jordan as the up-and-coming son of the late boxer Apollo Creed, an Academy Award-nominated performance by Sylvester Stallone as an aging Rocky Balboa and terrific direction from Ryan Coogler — who went on to wow much of the world with last year’s “Black Panther” — “Creed” was a cinematic event. ¶ It would be asking too much of Jordan, Stallone and new director Steven Caple Jr. — a Cleveland native who graduates to this big-budget Hollywood affair after writing and directing the Cleveland-set and -filmed low-budget 2016 drama “The Land” — to improve on “Creed” with “Creed II.” They do not deliver that particular knockout. ¶ However, “Creed II” is a worthy contender your time and movie dollars, a largely predictable drama but one that wins with its big moments.

It also is likely to delight longtime fans of the “Rocky” series thanks to its ties to 1985’s beloved “Rocky IV,” in which Soviet fighter Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) kills Apollo in the ring during their bout, Rocky subsequently besting Ivan in a match in Russia. “Creed II” begins with Adonis about to fight for the heavyweight championship.

“It’s just another fight, OK?” his girlfriend, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), assures him before the match. “You got this.” In theaters: Nov. 21.

Rated: PG-13 for sports action violence, language, and a scene of sensuality.

Runtime: minutes.

Stars (of four): 2 hours, 9 ★★/*