Director: Michael B. Jordan
Writers: Keenan Coogler(screenplay by), Zach Baylin(screenplay by), Ryan Coogler(story by)
Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Phylicia Rashad, Mila Davis-Kent
In the first two films of the “Creed” series, Sylvester Stallone played a pivotal part of the storyline, a mentor to Adonis, passing down the lessons of an entire movie franchise. In ‘Creed III’, he’s nowhere to be seen, and many asked the question of Coogler, would he be able to keep the franchise afloat without Stallone’s strong character presence. The answer is a clear “Yes”. It’s quite evident with Michael B Jordan’s Directorial Debut, ‘Creed’ no longer needs Stallone to be as hard-hitting and emotionally satisfying, and is easily the best entry in the franchise.
In ‘Creed III’, the story picks up with Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) who has just wrapped up dominating the boxing world, and has been thriving in both his current career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is 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.
The script, by Keenan and Ryan Coogler with Zach Baylin, is different from the past installments, a refreshing change of direction that still keeps the theme at core. It requires the emotion and intensity from the central characters of Adonis and Dame. Dame’s hurt comes from an honest place, and Majors delivers a standout magnetic performance. It’s in the more quieter moments that he truly impresses. Both actors dynamics are on point and there on screen chemistry really holds the emotional aspects of this film together.
‘Creed III’ also explores Tessa Thompsons character of Bianca more deeply through her journey of life after stardom. Jordan sets a minor focus onto Creed’s family life with his deaf daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent). It shows what lessons both good or bad are being handed down to his daughter, especially when it comes to his preference for violence. Something that has been baked into the DNA of these movies.
An honorable mention has to go to the music in this movie, so fitting and catchy, be sure to checkout the soundtrack. There’s not much you can fault about ‘Creed III’, and it’s easily one of the best films of the year, even critics would agree. A triumphant directorial debut from Jordan, and although Stallone wasn’t present, Jordan proves he’s unbeatable even without him.
‘Creed III’ is in cinemas now.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
