Review: 'Creed III' doesn't pull any punches and delivers a knockout

Creed III

Two of the most gorgeous men getting topless and going at it with punches at each other - this was probably enough as a selling point for anyone to watch Creed III, especially when those two men in question are Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, isn't it? But add to that, a riveting storyline, emotional core, the Rocky Balboa legacy and a shining talent in Jordan as a director now - you can barely go wrong. Having had the chance to see Creed III before it releases in theaters in India tomorrow, here is what I thought about it-

Moving Away from the Rocky World

Even though Creed III is technically the ninth instalment in the Rocky Balboa series and the third Creed movie, this one is as farther away from the Balboa world as possible. One of the factors that made this rebirth of franchise worthy in the first two instalments was the inclusion of Sylvester Stallone aka Rocky himself and the sense of nostalgia attached to it. But with Creed III, we move away from that legacy and that influence. This was a brave call made by debutant director Jordan and writers Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin and story man Ryan Coogler as it could easily backfired but it doesn't. It is done expertly where it subtly acknowledges how Adonis Creed, himself, is a celebrated champion to have a continuing storyline of his own, independent of Rocky.

Not Losing the Emotional Core

One of the biggest mistakes an array of sports dramas commit is focusing on the showcasing, style and presentation a lot more than its core storyline and emotions. Creed III seems to be clear from the get-go that it won't be doing any such thing. The emotional core is as intact and impactful as one can imagine it to be. The relationship between Creed and his mute daughter, his wife and even his mother is finely written and knit smartly into the screenplay. Even Creed's changing relationship with the antagonist, 'Diamond' Dame Anderson (Majors) is so touching and has you invested in every development it possesses. 

Jordan is very careful in making sure the cliched sports sequences are extremely limited and focuses on telling a compelling albeit predictable story. One of the highlights for me was Tessa Thompson aka Bianca, where she has struggles of her own that she is dealing with in a couple of confrontational scenes with Creed and gets a full arc.

Jonathan Majors Has Arrived

It seems to be opportune and coincidental to be witnessing the rise and rise of Jonathan Majors in one mega film after another. After being the only saving grace in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania as the new villain Kang, Majors once again proves his acting and physical mettle with sheer finesse. Even though, he is the antagonist, we see that he isn't inherently a bad person who only acts the way he does owing to a part. Majors' physical presence is a marvel to look at and couple that with his ability to act, the man is a force to be reckoned with. He stands up tall and towering over Jordan which is exactly what was needed.

The Predictability Affects But Pulls Back As Well

There are only a few ways a sports drama can work itself on while trying to be different. Unfortunately, more often than not, majority of these sports dramas end up cliched and banal. But with Creed III, that isn't the case. Even then, it doesn't take away from the predictable nature of the story, especially the climax and a patent training montage that is meant to rise your energy levels. This does affect the film mildly but to everyone's respite, it doesn't become a bigger problem in the overall experience.

The Verdict

Creed III isn't just a bloody good sports drama film but also manages to present and showcase a rising talent in the form of Michael B. Jordan as a director now. The man definitely seemed to clear and aware with his vision for Creed III and it becomes evident.

Rating - **** (4/5)