Creed II

Sequel sympathizes with star as it struggles to sustain previous success. Impressively in-depth antagonist characterization creates conundrum, as baby-Dolph becomes more empathetic than self-centric Creed. Stallone stalls Two, and attempted emotional interludes feel tone deaf at best. Spoiler: finale spoils the premise as a predictable victory further vindicates ‘hero’s vanity.

Aquaman

DC Drowns Collosally as Conan the Aquarian succumbs to pier-pressure in this fishy farce, blunting each plot point to maximum dullness lest they acci-trident-ally poke more holes in a story that already barely holds water. Drogo and Crimson Heard have so little chemistry that even adding H2O isn’t a solution.