Let Go of Whatever Was and Walk Into What is. 4.5 / 5
Directed by Michael B. Jordan.
After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring.
Creed III proves that the franchise still has some fight left in it with a ferocious directorial debut from Michael B. Jordan.
Managing to find more life in the underdog story, Adonis must put his title and legacy on the line once again to prove that he is more than the name Creed as his past comes back to haunt him. Though the plot may be by the books, it's impossible not to be pulled in by this heartfelt and emotional story of forgiveness and retribution.
A directorial debut that projects confidence, Michael B. Jordan does an incredible job in front and behind the camera, especially in the boxing sequences that feel immersive thanks to the slick camerawork, expert fight choreography and stunning IMAX expanded aspect ratio. I was expecting big things from the final fight but it truly did not have to go so hard - an unbelievable standout sequence that channels B. Jordan's love for anime.
Jonathan Majors commands presence every second he is on screen, continuing his hot streak of solid performances. The commitment both Majors and B. Jordan pour into the role can be seen in every bead of sweat and punch thrown. This third instalment also continues to build Creed's personal life with Tessa Thompson returning as Bianca along with Mila Davis-Kent as their daughter Amara which begins to steer the future of this franchise in some very intriguing directions.
Packing a punch, even if the series is formulaic it still manages to have the desired impact by weaving touching character moments through the ever-motivating training montages. Though it gets muddled in the message it's trying to share, Creed III is a true spectacle full of passion that excels at visual storytelling while keeping the core of the series close to its heart.
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