Movie Review: CREED III

image from IMDB.com

Released into theaters on March 3, 2023, Creed 3 continues the “Rocky” spinoff franchise.
​by Sydoni Shaw

With a box office of $267.4 million, Creed 3 is the highest earning entry in the Creed trilogy. The movie has done exceptionally well in passing expectations of its predecessor films, earning the title of the “Biggest Sports Movie Opening of All Time” by Collider.com.

Familiar faces return to the screen: starring Michael B. Jordan as the lead, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad. However, the endearing character, Rocky Balboa played by Sylvester Stallone, is nowhere to be seen in the movie. Balboa, former heavyweight champion of the world and friend to the late Apollo Creed, was instrumental in building Adonis Creed’s character. Nevertheless, in the new path that Adonis Creed is paving for himself, watchers can rule that Creed 3 handles Rocky’s absence well.
 
Creed 3 follows the 2018 sequel, picking up after Adonis Creed earns the title of the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Watchers are brought through a new journey of Creed facing his past and standing up to it. 

image courtesy of Variety Magazine

​Directed by Michael B. Jordan, The sports drama is packed with multiple training montages, unique camera movements, and visual effects that reflect Jordan's stylistic choices. Jordan collaborated with cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau to bring the visual inspirations Jordan had to life. Jordan's and Morgenthau’s partnership enhanced the scenes and storyline through production techniques like intentional lighting and photographic sculpting.

The film’s plot goes beyond the traditional boxing narrative and explores themes of childhood trauma and forgiveness- contradictory to the violent nature of boxing and competition. However, the film provides balance between action-packed scenes and heart-warming ones than the previous films. 

Overall, Creed 3 received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and themes of family, legacy, and perseverance. The film has been praised for its strong emotional core and its thrilling boxing sequences, and is considered a worthy addition to the Creed franchise.