In his directorial debut, Michael B. Jordan takes on an exciting endeavor: "Creed III," the latest installment in the beloved "Rocky" spinoff franchise and the ninth chapter in the iconic boxing saga. He not only reprises his role as the formidable fighter Adonis Creed but also showcases his electrifying talent as both actor and director. With newfound swagger and emotional depth, Jordan captivates as the film's star, exuding genuine confidence and style.
Following in Sylvester Stallone's footsteps, Jordan directs himself in four iconic "Rocky" films, including the heartfelt 2006 production, "Rocky Balboa." He also faces the challenge of living up to the work of his long-time friend and collaborator, Ryan Coogler, who directed the original "Creed." Jordan skillfully embraces this pressure, crafting a film that pays homage to the series' legacy while propelling the story forward. Unsurprisingly, he draws out powerful performances from his co-stars, notably Jonathan Majors as Adonis' childhood friend turned adversary.
"Creed III" unfolds its narrative by taking us back to 2002 Los Angeles, establishing the intertwined history of its eventual rivals. We witness Adonis "Donnie" Creed, a young teenager, sneaking out of his bedroom to witness the dominance of his older brother figure, Damian "Dame" Anderson, in underground fights. A violent encounter that night seals their diverging destinies, with Adonis ascending to greatness and Damian embarking on an 18-year prison sentence. With precise timing and artful editing, the story propels us 15 years forward, revealing that Donnie now enjoys the boxing career Dame had always yearned for. Another leap takes us to the present day, where Adonis has retired from the ring and resides in a luxurious modern mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
Jordan skillfully portrays the lavish lifestyle of Adonis, his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson), and their daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent). The minimalist elegance and soothing neutral tones, crafted by production designer Jahmin Assa and costume designer Lizz Wolf, convey the refined and tranquil image Adonis seeks to project.
At his Delphi Boxing Academy, Adonis shapes the next generation of fighters, while Bianca, a singer-songwriter, collaborates with new talent as a producer. Though content, tension lingers in their relationship as they yearn for the spotlight that once defined them. In this masculine film, Thompson brings a grounded and sensitive approach. Young Davis-Kent, a deaf actress, shines brilliantly in her first major role, holding her own with her vibrant presence and impeccable timing. Phylicia Rashad delivers a crucial and graceful performance as Adonis' mother, Mary-Anne. The frequent use of sign language within the family adds an authentic touch to the story.
Their reverie is shattered by Dame's arrival. He, toughened in prison, seeks the boxing glory he believes is his. The Kang vs. Killmonger showdown is a delightfully nerdy thrill, given the actors' significant villainous roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Majors delivers a tremendous performance as always, bringing unsettling energy to the character with an underlying volatility beneath his calm exterior. What truly terrifies is his ability to conceal his rage, always watching, plotting, and seething, until he unleashes his ferocity with imposing physicality.
Collaborating with cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau and editors Jessica Baclesse and Tyler Nelson, director Jordan skillfully crafts a captivating narrative from a seemingly uncomplicated scene. The close-ups, pacing, and deliberate choice to linger on an actor's face convey profound meaning and underlying subtext. The unspoken, purposely withheld yet intuitively understood, adds to the potency of the exchange.
"Creed III" delivers what fans crave: multiple training montages. Just like "Rocky," it has its own montage. When it's clear that Donnie must regain his form to face Dame for the championship at Dodger Stadium, an inspired choice that embodies the essence of Los Angeles, the screenplay by Keenan Coogler (Ryan's brother) and Zach Baylin ("King Richard") hits all the expected uplifting moments while introducing some clever new ones. We witness the familiar scenes of running through streets and along the beach, conquering hills, and engaging in intense punches and sparring. But there's also the spectacle of Adonis astonishingly pulling an actual airplane solely with the might of his pectoral muscles. It may elicit laughter, but it undeniably captivates.
In the climactic showdown, Jordan impresses with captivating stylistic choices in sound design, camera movements, and visual effects. A standout section undergoes a transformative shift, evoking unexpected emotional resonance and offering a fresh perspective.
At first glance, "Creed III" may seem to revolve around brutal battles between muscular men, where right and wrong are easily distinguishable. Adonis is precise and controlled in the ring, while Dame fights with raw intensity, as if his life hangs in the balance. However, similar to Killmonger's motivations in "Black Panther," there is an understanding behind Dame's relentless pursuit of vengeance and dominance. Witnessing these formidable adversaries navigate moral ambiguity, exposing vulnerabilities, is truly captivating.
Jordan is a charismatic and versatile actor who has also proven his directorial skills with "Creed III."
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