Review: Creed III Isn’t Quite A Knockout, But Is Still A Win

Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) returns for the third film in the Creed franchise, Creed III. In this new creation, directed by Jordan, a newly retired Creed is adjusting to a fight-free life alongside his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent). Instead of being a fighter, he is working to build his own world of elite boxers and seems to be settled. Life throws a curveball in the form of his childhood friend, and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors) who has a big favor to ask. Damian wants a chance to compete against professional boxers, in an effort to live out his own boxing dreams. Creed’s faced with a quandary as he feels he owes Damian for past issues. Suddenly Creed’s quiet life is turned upside down forcing him to question whether or not what he has earned over the years was truly deserved.

Jordan makes his directorial debut with Creed III, and while there are a few missteps, it’s a pretty solid piece. Jordan knows this character and the world well, having starred in the two previous films. He understands what the audience wants to see and doesn’t pull punches. Jordan crafts a story built on Creed’s guilt and past grievances, he is a man standing on his own, no longer in the shadow of previous boxing greats. With this, Creed must deal with the consequences of his past, and that is the film Jordan sets out to tell. The only disruptions are some of the transitions from one scene to another feeling disconnected. You’re left wondering if perhaps there should have been a bit more dialogue or history revealed that could allow for the story to feel more fluid.

While the story could have been more fluid, it’s the fight scenes that are the showcase in the film. Jordan has mentioned throughout the press tour that he was heavily inspired by anime when directing these scenes, and fans of anime will be able to tell. There is a perfect amount of tension, action, and dialogue to keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The final fight between Creed and Damian is a perfect example of this, and Jordan’s decision to drown out all of the audience noise to focus on the pair, makes the scene feel more personal and intense.

Creed III certainly has disjointed moments yet the performances from Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors make up for it. Jordan is at home in his role as Adonis Creed; in this third go around it’s as if Jordan has reunited with an old friend and brings him to life with proficiency. Without the history of Apollo Creed or Rocky Balboa hanging over his head, Jordan takes his character to a deeper level and fills Creed out.

Majors has a knack for playing a great villain, and in this film, it’s his ability to quickly shift the audience’s feelings on his character from likeable to unlikeable that stands out. The energy that Majors brings to Damian can only be described as controlled chaos, and when that is paired alongside Jordan’s portrayal of Creed, the audience gets the opportunity to see firsthand the toll it takes on their protagonist.

Creed III is a solid fight in the Creed franchise, and a major win for Jordan’s directorial debut. Whether or not this is Creed’s last go in the ring remains to be seen. Marvelous performances from Jordan and Majors will have fans of the franchise happy with how this fight turns out.

Grade: B+