‘Creed III’ review: Dir. Michael B. Jordan (2023)

Typically, by the time most Hollywood franchises have reached the third film in their run, the cracks are beginning to show and things are starting to run out of steam. Creed 3 however, bucks this trend in the most invigorating and exciting way. This is made even more impressive when including it within the larger Rocky series, which makes it the ninth film overall. Stepping out of both Sylvester Stallone and Rocky’s shadows’, Michael B. Jordan pulls double duty this time as both lead and also the director. His debut behind the camera truly elevates Creed to all new heights.

Following the events of Creed II, Adonis retires from professional boxing to focus on his family and shepherding the next generation of champions. His life quickly begins to unravel when an old friend, Damien (Jonathan Majors) is released from prison and reconnects with his childhood ‘brother’. After the sins of the past come back to haunt Adonis, it quickly becomes clear that Damien’s score will only be settled in the ring.

Early on in this film’s development question marks were raised over the lack of involvement from the original series creator, The Italian Stallion himself. While some may notice his absence early on in the proceedings, these lingering feelings are very quickly dismissed. Jordan calls the shots behind the camera this time and has excellently evolved this franchise. Moving things away from the theme of legacy, the story feels much more intimate and personal by focussing on past mistakes, friends turning into enemies, and the domino effect of our choices in life. Conversely, it still also manages to beautifully retain a large scale with its encapsulating visuals and grand fight sequences.

Jonathan Majors is on one hell of a hot steak right now and this is no exception. He is, without a doubt, one of the most talented actors working today, and certainly one of the most exciting ones. Majors steals the show for the second time in two months. No easy feat when going toe-to-toe (physically and emotionally) with the absolute powerhouse that is Jordan. Peppered with gorgeous nuances and gut-wrenching intensity, Damien’s anger and sadness drips from every movement and sound he makes. As an actor who has made no secret of his inspiration originating from Heath Ledger’s Joker, Majors clearly has a deep understanding of what makes an antagonist captivating. Every great villain is the hero of their own story, and when you find yourself questioning which character to truly root for, you know a performer has elevated the material.

As the first sports film shot on IMAX, there are some breathtaking sequences to behold. Every fight feels so big and all-consuming, it’s genuinely difficult not to be swept away in the atmosphere as if you’re in attendance at a real-life sporting event. Crowds feel intoxicating, entrances are like needles of adrenaline, and both stars are about as close to human physical perfection as you can get. What a feast for the eyes.

Of course, it’s always easy to be mystified by the aesthetically pleasing. Especially in the age of peak blockbuster cinema we’re currently living in. But, these visuals are all used as the exemplification of the core struggle between its two stars. Their history, their issues, and the tug-of-war between guilt and revenge fuel the narrative to such an intense degree that every punch feels real. Some may not be too thrilled with the slightly darker direction this story takes us in, but the quality speaks for itself.

Wonderfully acted by Jordan, Majors, and Tessa Thompson, skilfully choreographed (with those anime-inspired visuals bringing something very refreshing to the action) and brilliantly paced. Creed III isn’t just the best in the trilogy, it may well be the best in the entire franchise.

Creed III Is released in cinemas on Friday 3rd March 2023.