Creed III
review by Bobby Blakey

In 2015 the iconic Rocky franchise got an unexpected spin-off film with Creed. The film was a hit and not only took the franchise in a fresh new direction it was a success. Of course it spawned a sequel in 2018 that connected it directly with Rocky IV and saw the final outing of Stallone as Rocky. Now Michael B. Jordan is not only returning for the third film aptly titled Creed III, but he is also at the helm making his debut as director alongside a great supporting cast including Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, and Phylicia Rashad. Will this be another good chapter to the Rocky/Creed saga or will it not be worth stepping in the ring for?
Creed III follows Adonis Creed has been thriving in both his career and family life after dominating the boxing world. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian, resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian, a fighter who has nothing to lose.
As a fan of this franchise I am always excited for more. I never thought the first Creed would work all that well let alone spawn its own franchise. I know some people don’t like some entries, but I have actually enjoyed them all for different reasons. This latest chapter of the Creed saga is yet another great entry into the franchise, but its not without its issues.
First and for most, Michael B. Jordan does a great job with both his performance and the directing side. At this point he knows and embodies this character and it shows as he pushes him to the next chapter of his life and career. The rest of the cast are great as well with Jonathan Majors once
again stealing the show. He brings a strong presence with a personality and mannerisums that just seem off from the beginning letting you know that there is more going on, which we obviously already know.
The story isn’t anything all that new that we haven’t already seen in the franchise with elements familiar from a number of the other films. It does put its own twist on it, but was hoping for something a little more unique this time around, but at the same time it works. My biggest issue with the film is actually with the final fight. It is well executed and choreographed, but they do something creatively that I don’t think fits in with the rest of the Rocky/Creed tone. It isn’t bad and I get why they did, but just lost me there.
In the end it is another good entry into the franchise that does leave yet again where they could end the series here or do something else, but only time will tell. In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including deleted scenes and featurettes taking you behind bringing this latest fight to life. Step into the ring and grab your copy of Creed III when it hits 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on May 23rd from Warner Bros.