MOVIE REVIEW: CREED III

 

Still dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed is thriving in his career and family life. When Damian, a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, he's eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian -- a fighter who has nothing to lose.

Director: Michael B. Jordan

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad

Release Date: March 3, 2023

Genre: Drama, Sport

Rated PG-13 for intense sports action, violence and some strong language.

Runtime: 1h 56m

Review:

Creed III is an energetic passing of the torch from Sylvester Stallone to Michael B. Jordan as he moves front and center in the franchise. Jordan takes the reins in the director's chair and shows off an impressive eye throughout.  His direction gives the film a tangible sense of immediacy and energy that makes Stallone's absence almost an afterthought.  Jordan guides the film with a self assured confidence that's readily apparent and engaging from the start which makes this work far better than it should.  The plot also offers an interesting twist on the usual formula by delivering an antagonist who plays like Mike Tyson by way of Cape Fear.  Jonathan Majors plays the role with a simmering anger and resentment lingering under his smiles and brutish physique.  Majors is able to give the character far more depth and pathos than what's written on the page and in doing so makes him the most interesting performer onscreen.  That's not to take away anything from Michael B. Jordan who delivers a more season take on his character in this third round.  The film pops when they both share the screen with a special kind of energy that's a product of their chemistry together.  Their energy is strong enough that it nearly drowns out the supporting players with Tessa Thompson being the only one who leaves a noticeable mark with a measured and loving turn.  Ultimately, it's a showcase for its two stars as the story runs through a variety of themes in its run up to the final showdown.  There are still the usual tropes as we get a rather rousing training montage and expertly crafted fight sequences which convey the ferocity of the matches.  Jordan does use a few flourishes during the final sequence to deliver something different, almost mystical as a chance of pace.  Creed III is a solid display filmmaking especially since it makes you overlook the fact that everything plays out in an entirely predictable manner and ties it up with a particularly tidy bow.

B+