The film is all about the brilliant performances of Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors. Jordan knows Adonis Crd inside and out and stays true to the character. The contrast between the naive boxer in the first film and the retired and wealthy champ in the third is stark. Majors is about to have an incredible year with Creed III, Magazine Dreams, and even Quantumania. Damian is a fully developed character, and no one plays a man with an axe to grind better than Majors. He is downright intimidating. Without spoiling anything, the ending on paper is a bit sappy, but Jordan and Majors make this delicate yet emotional scene work.
Tessa Thompson is excellent, as always. She is the outside observer that Adonis needs in his life. Mila Davis-Kent as Amara is adorable. Her being deaf is played as a matter of fact, not some message being thrown in your face. Lastly, why is Phylicia Rashad not getting more work? Seriously.
“…all about the brilliant performances of Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors.”
When it comes to the boxing action, it’s still top-notch (we’ll talk about the final scene in a moment). Creed III was shot with IMAX cameras that beautifully capture the details of the two fighters. Yes, see it in IMAX. The actual boxing is tight and up-close, and you’ll feel every punch and understand why you should never take the sport lightly.
The final match, which takes place at Dodger Stadium, is bad. I know this stadium well. Though the backgrounds look like Dodger Stadium, the fight felt like it was shot in front of green screens. Yes, it was probably done this way for practical reasons, but it doesn’t feel right, especially in IMAX. Also, there’s a choice that Jordan makes (you’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve seen the film) that is bold and artistic. Said choice didn’t work for me. ‘Nuff said.
My recommendation for Creed III comes from its complex narrative. It’s about two men who walked down two very different paths in life when it should have been the same. The story is about being held accountable for your actions and making things right. But it’s also about the love and honesty of family and, ultimately, forgiveness.
"…about the love and honesty of family and, ultimately, forgiveness."
