I watched this third movie in IMAX and it was a spectacular event film to see! Creed 3 is directed by Michael B. Jordan and a story written by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) and Keenan Coogler.
Rocky and Creed movies are all about underdogs working their way up from nothing to become a champion. The struggles a person goes through to achieve success along the way.
This third movie brings it back to that underdog story; there’s so much heart and soul, however, there’s also revenge and betrayal. Definitely an exciting twist to see! The training montages also never fail.
Superb character developments for both Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) and Damian (Jonathan Majors; who was recently as Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania) Both actors pack a powerful performance emotionally and physically, including a strong supporting cast.
The set up for Damian was great, while also helping the audience further understand Adonis’ personal history; this builds a deeply richer character driven story.
There are creatively jaw-dropping and intense fight scenes, that I’ve never seen before in live-action boxing movies. I’m aware that Michael B. Jordan did watch plenty of Japanese Animation, that inspired the theme and style for the scenes in this movie, and it’s paid off very well. Jordan discussed this inspiration: “I love the themes of anime, culturally, what they say about the bonds of friendships, betrayal, revenge, promises,”.
The heart that goes into the relationships in Creed 3 is strong; especially the bond between father and daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent) who was a delight in her role.
Adonis’ love for his partner Bianca (Tessa Thompson) is shown well, which reminds me heavily of those emotional scenes between Rocky and Adrian, notably in Rocky 3 where they are both on the beach and Adrian is offering her support to get him to open up.
There’s incredibly written scenes into the story, that brought in further accessiblity representation to the hearing impaired by using ASL (American Sign Language). It was some of my favourite parts of the movie seeing the Creed family interact.
Although, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is not in this movie, this actually works better without Balboa being present. I love most of the Rocky movies, however this allows the new Creed movie to really be able to breathe and be its own thing from brilliant soundtrack compositions by Joseph Shirley, to bringing in a fresh story. While also still respecting the legacies of Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa.
Highly impressed with Creed 3; the pacing is fine, there are entertaining moments throughout, a strong character driven plot. This is a recommended watch!
Creed III releases in cinemas on March 3 – starring Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Mila Davis-Kent, Wood Harris and Florian Munteanu.
Source: Indie Wire; for Michael B. Jordan talking about Japanese Anime.
