Creed III

Micheal B. Jordan makes his directorial debut In the latest installment from the Rocky/Creed franchise. Now retired, Adonis Creed (Micheal B. Jordan) is managing his gym and other boxers including his star, current undisputed world champion Felix Chavez (Jose Benavidez). Creeds life is good, but then an important part of his past returns when his closest childhood friend Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) returns to the neighbourhood after serving 18 years in prison. As a young man he was a great boxing hope, something that was taken away by prison. Now he’s back and he wants a shot and needs Creed to help. But in helping him Adonis reopens a part of his life that he’d never dealt with and now it’s there it needs to be resolved.

If you’ve seen the trailer for Creed, then you’ll know what this latest installment is going to deliver. It is exactly the film you expect it to be, hitting every beat whem it should. But if you didn’t know what to expect don’t worry every turn of the film is signposted from start to finish.

This isn’t really a negative as this is the ninth Rocky/Creed film. So if you’re heading into one, you’re going to get the thing you signed up for.

The story arc digs into Creed and Damian’s background and covers some dark moments, but ultimately these lead up to the training montage and wonderfully choreographed showdown. Which to Jordan’s credit he does bring some creative ways to show the intensity and focus demanded in the ring.

The film is blessed with impressive leads. But It is Majors who brings the real interest with an excellent performance. His dark brooding and physical presence is balanced by a want to redeem himself and claim what he feels was denied him, making him a more complex and interesting opponent.

Creed III is exactly the film you expect. But that’s okay as there is plenty to enjoy, especially with Majors who brings one of the most interesting opponents of the franchise. It’s maybe not the most memorable of the Rocky/Creed films but still solid and enjoyable.