This feels like the narrative that ought to have unfolded in Rocky V, or at least something along those lines. It’s disappointing that Talia Shire isn't part of it, as she, Burt Young, and Carl Weathers are essential figures in the Rocky series. Creed’s absence is understandable given his character’s fate within the timeline, but I really hoped to see Adrian again, particularly a story focusing on her growth—they seemed to have stopped developing her after Rocky III, pushing her into a supporting role. Still, you get that familiar Rocky formula. You witness Rocky finding his drive and offering encouragement once more...and isn’t that the reason we enjoy Rocky stories? Rocky V was missing that spark; Rocky Balboa returned with considerable energy, and it carried over through Creed, and I'm hoping to see it in Creed II when I finally get around to watching it. The appeal lies in its return to the spirit of the first two films, where it’s not solely about boxing but about Rocky’s personal journey. That was what felt absent in III and IV, and something that V tried unsuccessfully to recapture. It evoked the atmosphere of an early Rocky film, feeling both like a conclusion and a fresh start for the franchise, making it a genuinely rewarding experience—especially since it didn't deliver the blow we were all anticipating with such intensity.

Source on TMDB