Creed 3

Rocky is an iconic franchise in which they have done an amazing job of birthing the Creed universe out of. I personally like my Creed content with a hint of Stallone. Even if it’s a cameo, perhaps even a piece of dialogue to explain why he’s not present… but to write him off and out like that? Michael… you didn’t do well kraaaa (Ghana accent) HAPPY GHANA INDEPENDENCE!!!

We are introduced to Adonis’ back story this time round, then introduced to characters from his past which make for the bulk plot of this flick. Adonis has retired and gone into the business of training and promoting with his loving wife and daughter. His best friend who’s been in prison for 18 years returns and wants to reignite his boxing career and it kicks off from there. There’s a lot of drama here and majority of it works well and some pieces miss. You have Phylicia Rashad’s character as Adonis mum take the Notebook approach of hiding prison letters to rattle the characters already rocky relationship. A weak plot point which could have been replaced by a “junk mail” excuse easily. Her reasoning for it all just didn’t add up. Let me know what you thought in the comments.

The chemistry is present in this film and the credit has to go to the casting crew. All actors gel well and do well to keep the audience engaged. Michael and Jonathan, on screen together, elite black excellence!! Two giants, two titans, two colossal Nubian artists in the peak of their prime careers, going to toe to toe, scene for scene, displaying their range, showcasing their acting capability in all emotions from joy, anger, sadness, rage, etc and these ain’t the fighting scenes I’m referencing. They’re exchanges of dialogue exhibiting that enchantment of brotherhood with flashback scenes connecting all with the present day… POWERFUL. The captivation with Tessa also was touching and heartfelt. Their onscreen chemistry is very visible. These are all members of the MCU I might add but Marvel refuse to utilise these talents on screen and instead just settle for CGI heavy nothingness (deep breath) I digress… Wood Harris returns as that father figure and shines as expected however limited to less screen time this time round. Michael delivers. Our clean cut titular champ of the film, just dangles his range of acting this time again as a hero and doing it well. Same with Mr Majors. Jonathan is having a hell of a year so far. Playing a leading role in 2 of the biggest films of the year and we are only in March, he’s on a roll, and doing it well.

His screen presence is immense and cosmic. His whole persona when on screen with whoever is “hey look at me, focus here”, he owns it all.

Just from the title you can easily predict the storyline here but MBJ incorporates a few new tricks to add his own feel to it via the emotional scenarios. The guilt ridden need to help and support plays a big part and it’s done well. The struggle of losing someone whether temporarily or permanently, the grief and loss used to drive the stakes higher… all brilliant. One key focus which was the highlight for me was his daughter. The decision to deploy the disability factor just gave it all an extra layer of sentiment. Kept it all grounded and felt more real, as to say despite all this success you got to stay humble and count your blessings. Hoping to see more of her in the Creed universe.

Now the fights. The big blowout battles. Excellently choreographed shows. If you follow MBJ then you will know he is a big, big anime fan and you can fully see the influence here. The fights are fast paced and powerful but he introduces that mid fight slow mechanic pinpointing the next targeted spot then with the audio so enthralling the impact of hits just scream “Crunchy Roll Subscription”. I loved it!! He goes as far to insert a Baki/Tekken like double KO which was just ingenious! This guy said I’m making a realistic boxing film but I’m going to add in stage transitions ???? I went full nerd in there! It was executed with excellence.

I’m a mild boxing fan but something things just couldn’t be ignored. For example the title fight access was crazy easy, I felt like I could get a shot the way everyone was just getting one. Now you hear Rocky you think eye of the tiger, steps of Philly, training montage! The iconic montage requirement here, it didn’t bang mehnnn… felt mild and skippable. Stallone would never let that happen just saying.

All in all, a decent flick and addition to what is now known as the Creed universe. There was a lot to enjoy here despite the minor setbacks. Majors and Jordan held up the movie majorly (pun intended). I still feel it needed a paramount shock factor for me. It was too predictable from when I watched the trailer. Can’t have bro come out of retirement every time and just win every fight. Will be good to see what they do next… I look forward to it. Also… bring back Stallone!!

Do you want to see his daughter take over the mantle? Did you also check your gym membership after seeing their physiques? Are you Stallone in or out? Are you excited about the Creed universe? React and “punch” in your comments below…