I’m sure a lot of people (me included) were a little trepidatious when the first Creed was coming out knowing it was going to be another Rocky movie with out the titular character that Stallone created himself. At the same time, the world feel in love with what Ryan Coogler created with the first film by expanding this world and focusing on a brand new character in Adonis Creed and having Rocky, as a character, serve not only as his boxing coach but almost like a father figure to Adonis. That first Creed film is a prime example on how you do a reboot/continuations of any franchise that currently exists. The heart and passion into the characters, the choice of framing Coogler executes with the boxing fights and the dramatic tension that makes this, and the first Rocky, so special. The same thing should be said about its sequel in Creed II. Sure, Creed II probably beats more on nostalgia by bringing back the character of Drago and having the movie virtually be structured like Rocky IV, but Steven Caple Jr. serving as the films director brought another character study to Adonis that was very impressive.
There was a lot to be excited about with Creed III. We get to see more of Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and the addition of Jonathan Majors was also something to be jazzed about. Plus, this was going to be Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. However, there was one “controversial” issue and that actually stems down from the creator of this franchise, Sylvester Stallone. Stallone, who’s not in the film, has been a bit vocal about the direction of this particular franchise. Stallone has also had an issue with obtaining the rights to the franchise that created from scratch. Amidst all the anticipation there was to be had with this movie, there was a side that felt a bit troubling knowing where Stallone stood on this movie.
Creed III is a strong and towering directorial debut from Michael B. Jordan. Despite Rocky not having a role or barely even a mention, Creed III is the best of the spin-off franchise that beautifully focuses on Adonis Creed and his life only. For some Rocky fans it might be hard without seeing Stallone (myself included), but something about Creed III’s direction made it okay that he wasn’t there. This is far and away the best of the Creed movies and perhaps the best Rocky movie since the original.
After the events of Creed II, Adonis is now a father and the proud owner of a boxing gym. His wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), produces music and he’s having the time of his life with a successful business and a wonderful family. When a childhood friend of Adonis shows up, Damien Anderson, the reunion they have brings back a lot of dark moments from their past and really brings up bigger and larger issues.
The biggest and maybe the most glowing quality of this entire movie is the extraordinary debut Michal B. Jordan did with directing this movie as his first time. Not does the man deliver a tremendous performance but he shines even better behind the camera. We need to start giving this man more opportunities because not only does he know how to continue the legacy in the Rocky universe, the man knows how to execute a compelling story. The framing and choice of IMAX shots in this sport movie was also phenomenally composed, especially the final boxing match that is hands down the best boxing match in the history of cinema. They feel intense, visceral but most importantly there’s so much emotion to each punch.
Michael B. Jordan also channels in some beautiful and powerful performances not only from him but from the rest of the cast. Tessa Thompson returns as Bianca and adds an extra layer of emotion to Adonis as his development as a character. But the real deal of this movie is the addition of Jonathan Majors. Jonathan Majors is might be the best working actor that’s under 40. Say what you will about Quantumania, but his performance as Kang should excite every fan of the MCU because he delivered a chilling performance in that film. The same is definitely to be said about his performance in Creed III. This man absolutely kills it in every scene and it’s odd to call them the “antagonist” of the film but man does he give the performance of a lifetime in this. His performance is unsettling, feriocus and deeply moving when you learn more about him and where he comes from. The dynamic between him and Michael B. Jordan is maybe the films best aspect as far as character work is concerned because there’s so much depth to unpack from their relationship. It’s up for debate, but he’s definitely one of the best antagonists that this franchise has ever seen, especially when it comes down to the Creed movies.
As stated earlier, this was the first Rocky/Creed movie where Stallone was nowhere to be found. With that being the case, the direction of the story and tone of this movie not having him felt earned that you almost forget about Rocky as a character. It probably would have been nice if we saw him pop up at least one time instead of the very brief mentioning of his name, but at the same time it felt okay that he wasn’t in the picture.
It’s great to see the Rocky franchise continue with a new perspective and with such great talent in each Creed movie. It’s poetic to have Michael B. Jordan step in the directors chair for the third installment, probably being shepherded by Coogler and Stallone with the first two films by taking some notes. With Creed III, Jordan delivered a complete knock out that ups the emotional aspects, the best boxing fights and some stellar use of music. It’s only March but this is the best movie of the year thus far.
Zane's take at the Cinema's 