Creed III is a masterfully inclusive jab to the heart 

4 out of 5 stars 

“Creed III” delivers a strong punch to the heartstrings, creating a strong legacy in the sport- drama genre. Actor and Director Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther”) conveys that fights aren’t all just about physical prowess, but sometimes feelings need to manifest that way.  

The film is entertaining and heartfelt, especially due to the actors’ performances. Jordan is a powerhouse, representing a man with emotional barriers that are begging to be broken. He fights through major life changes, physically and metaphorically, with every tear in his eye born from real experiences.  

As Jordan’s directorial debut, Creed III was extremely well executed. The final fight was ethereal, and the movie’s overall message is palpable, showing the importance of leaning on family and friends. 

 
Some development of the plots makes one think about the past movies with nostalgia, somberness, and joy.  

As the antagonist, Jonathan Majors (“When We Rise,” “Lovecraft Country”) nailed the essence of anger and revenge. Conveying the transition between vengeful malice and regretful hope drew me closer to the story. His screen presence was my favorite part of this film.  

“Creed III” does not feature Sylvester Stallone (“Rocky”), nor does the film attempt to acknowledge Rocky Balboa’s absence, which left me with a minor sense of confusion. Stallone opted out of the series due to creative differences in the franchise, explaining that “Creed III” is rather personal to the main character Adonis Creed (Jordan), and that his own character is like an “appendix” for the movie. The exclusion made sense, but the character was still missed.  

The story was a slow-building, fantastic explosion, delving into complex rhetoric about disadvantaged neighborhoods and groups, something Jordan admits he knows well. The other cast members stood out through their own strong performances.  

Tessa Thompson (“Thor: Ragnarök”) gives a memorable performance as Bianca Creed, expressing a yearning to connect with Adonis and supportive love towards her deaf daughter, Amara Creed (played by Mila Davis-Kent). The inclusion of American Sign Language in the movie is a particularly special substance in the film.  

Cinematographer, Kramer Morgenthau was brought back from “Creed II” and this decision worked for the producers. Every frame in the movie was perfected with skill. The fighting scenes were grandiose and carried the sport sequences. While it was obvious that the punches were sped up for effect, it was hardly noticeable with the impeccable set design in each fighting ring.  

“Creed III” is a special, joyous experience that anyone should give a shot. The inclusivity, expert execution and acting were pushing boundaries I didn’t even know were there. Jordan deserves awards for his multifaceted work, showing lots of promise as a director and continuing his outstanding performances as an actor. 

Photo from imdb.com.