Creed III

Creed 3 is the third installment in the popular Creed franchise, directed by Michael B. Jordan, who also stars as the lead character, Adonis Creed. This movie is set in Los Angeles in 2002 and follows a young Adonis "Donnie" Creed, who sneaks out with his best friend, Golden Gloves champion Damian "Diamond Dame" Anderson, to watch him compete in an underground boxing match. After Dame's victory, he tells Donnie about his aspirations to turn professional and become a world champion. The story then jumps ahead to the present day, where Adonis is now a professional boxer, struggling to find his place in the world of boxing and dealing with the pressures of his personal life.

One of the most striking things about Creed 3 is the way in which it balances its themes of legacy, identity, and family. The movie's central conflict revolves around Adonis's relationship with his father, the legendary boxer Apollo Creed, whom he never knew. Adonis's struggle to carve out his own identity in the shadow of his father's legacy is a common theme in the franchise, but Creed 3 takes it to new heights. This time, Adonis is grappling with the knowledge that he may be carrying a genetic predisposition to the same disease that killed his father, which puts his future in boxing in jeopardy. This existential crisis leads him to reconsider his priorities and question what truly matters to him.

Michael B. Jordan's direction is one of the highlights of the film. He has a keen eye for visuals and pacing, and he brings a fresh perspective to the franchise that is both exciting and engaging. The boxing scenes, in particular, are masterfully choreographed and shot, with the camera often positioned inside the ring, giving the audience a visceral sense of the action. The movie also has a strong sense of place, with Los Angeles serving as a backdrop that is both gritty and glamorous.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Tessa Thompson as Bianca, Adonis's partner, and Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo's widow and Adonis's adoptive mother. Both actresses bring depth and nuance to their roles, and their characters play a crucial role in Adonis's emotional journey. The movie also introduces a new antagonist in the form of Victor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, the Russian boxer who killed Apollo Creed in the ring. Florian Munteanu, who plays Victor, is a menacing presence on screen, and his physicality is a perfect match for Michael B. Jordan's.

The film's themes of identity and legacy are also reflected in the soundtrack, which features a mix of contemporary and classic hip-hop tracks. The music adds another layer to the film's exploration of what it means to be a young Black man in America, and it gives the audience a sense of the cultural context in which the story is set.

Overall, Creed 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise and a satisfying conclusion to Adonis Creed's story. Michael B. Jordan's direction is confident and assured, and the movie features some of the best boxing scenes in recent memory. The themes of legacy, identity, and family are explored with depth and nuance, and the supporting cast is excellent across the board. The film is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Rocky/Creed franchise and a reminder that, even after three movies, there are still new stories to be told in this world.