When you choose to go see the third part of a franchise that is itself derived from another, obviously you should not expect that the already proven formula will really be modified. Nothing is surprising in the story of Creed IIIbut we can still say that this third opus is superior to Creed II (Steven Caple Jr.), without however reaching the freshness of Creed (Ryan Coogler), released eight years ago.
In addition to the directing qualities of Ryan Coogler, who then tackled Black Panther And Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, this initial success was undoubtedly due to the passing of the torch between Rocky himself and the new protagonists of this derived franchise, built around the character of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of the famous Apollo. The latter, let us remember, was Rocky Balboa’s great rival in the very first rockyreleased now… 47 years ago! Creed III also marks the final separation with this part of the story, Sylvester Stallone, present in the first two films, having no role to play in this new chapter.
Having taken over behind the camera, while playing the main role, Michael B. Jordan orchestrates an impressive boxing spectacle (especially in IMAX format), but he on the other hand resorts to far too strong effects when it comes to the stay.
PHOTO SER BAFFO, PROVIDED BY METRO GOLDWYN MAYER
Jonathan Majors in Creed IIIa film directed by Michael B. Jordan
Now living in Los Angeles and having not stepped into a ring in three years, long-time world champion Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) leads the life of the rich and famous in a luxurious residence in the hills. Hollywood. The prologue, however, takes us back to his teenage days, where his best friend was Damian. This boy also had a real talent as a boxer, but his ambitions were countered in full swing by a tragedy that led him to prison.
An arch-predictable scenario
From there, screenwriters Kennan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler appear to have written their narrative on a pre-made template. Everything then becomes extremely predictable. The friend of yesterday having felt betrayed, he was able to ruminate his revenge for years, to train like a madman, to become a formidable boxer, then to challenge the former champion, now at the head of a gymnasium and a company organizing fights. Why shouldn’t he get a second chance? And, once gone, why not let him fight for the world title?
Everything is obviously built in such a way that the last act is devoted to this ultimate fight between the two former friends, to finally reach this climax where a variation on Bill Conti’s famous musical theme is heard.
The fights are skillfully choreographed, filmed very effectively under the direction of the very one who runs in the ring in the center of the field of Dodger Stadium.
If this aspect of Creed III should surely satisfy admirers of the franchise, the same cannot be said for the family history grafted around. Michael B. Jordan takes an often tearful approach, emphasizing all its dramatic effects with too insistent violins.
On the other hand, the rivalry between Adonis and his adversary is well rendered. Jonathan Majors, the interpreter of Damian, was able to give his character a dimension that goes beyond the simple role of the bad guy on duty. His presence imposes. If ever a Creed IV had to be started (but is it really necessary?), this Damian would certainly have to come back to stir up a cage that is too similar from one film to another.
Creed III is currently in theaters in the original English version and in the French version.
Drama
Creed III
Michael B.Jordan
Starring Michael B. Johnson, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors
1:56
Indoors