Creed III (2023) is the directorial debut of Michael Jordan. As a producer in the franchise, he continues to deliver his technical expertise to the film series. Jordan returns as Adonis Creed and delivers an extremely compelling performance, highlighting his evolution as not just a performer but a director as well. Jonthan Majors joins the cast in a critical role, enriching the narrative in surprising ways.
A Legacy of Heart and Grit
Creed III portrays the fierce world of professional boxing in a poetic and visually striking way. This entry is more street-level, focusing less on the bright lights of the arena. It’s a bold direction but one that benefits the film, giving it a grittier identity. Adonis, a household name and hero, questions his level of success. After rising to the height of the sport, and retiring, his legacy is challenged with new, hungry rivals vying for an opportunity to face the former champ. There’s plenty of nostalgia sprinkled throughout as well.
Comparisons to Previous Installments
A lot has changed in the six-years since his victory over antagonist, Viktor Drago. Creed III shines a light on the family life of Adonis. It’s a nice change of pace from the violent matches seen throughout. His wife, Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson, brings out the warm nature of Adonis. She also continues to counter his stubbornness and pride. Their relationship is complex and unconventional, especially for viewers who watched it develop since the first Creed movie. He has a young daughter, which adds even more layers to this cinematic onion.
Character Dynamics and Growth
Speaking of onions, the fights are banger! From sound design to first-person views of someone getting their face rearranged. Each punch looks and feels fatal in Creed III. Jordan is no stranger to taking real punches for the sake of realism. Not certain how much he scaled back on that, because the man takes a ton of punishment. Dame, played by Jonathan Majors, fights like a madman. Every time he’s in the boxing ring, it looks like attempted murder. His backstory justifies the chip on his shoulder, but the ferocity he displays is truly intimidating.
A Triumph in the Ring and On Screen
Creed III is an excellent chapter in the Rocky franchise. Jordan impresses with his directorial prowess. As if that job wasn’t hard enough, he pulled double-duty in the physically demanding role of a boxer. A tall order Jordan executes gracefully. With all the talent in Creed III, it’s hard not to have a pleasant viewing experience. The film has stakes, passion, and brutality out this world. Creed III is a must watch for sports lovers and casual movie watchers alike. The Story Monster declares this one a 7.5 out of 10.
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