Creed III: A Worthy Addition to the Rocky Franchise

The Rocky franchise has been a beloved part of American cinema for over four decades, with its underdog storylines and heartwarming themes of perseverance and determination. The latest addition to the series, Creed III, directed by Michael B. Jordan in his feature directorial debut, is no exception.

The film picks up where Creed II left off, with Adonis Creed (Jordan) now the heavyweight champion of the world. He is at the top of his game, but the film quickly establishes that his success has not come without a cost. Adonis is struggling to balance his personal and professional life, as he grapples with his role as a father and a partner to his girlfriend, Bianca (Tessa Thompson).

In addition to his personal struggles, Adonis must also face his toughest opponent yet - Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), who killed Adonis's father, Apollo Creed, in the ring decades earlier. The film sets up a tense and emotional showdown between the two fighters, as Adonis must confront the demons of his past and come to terms with his family's legacy.

Michael B. Jordan delivers a standout performance as both the director and the lead actor of the film. He brings a fresh perspective to the Rocky franchise, while also staying true to its roots. Jordan's direction is confident and assured, with a clear understanding of how to craft a compelling story and engaging action sequences. As an actor, he brings depth and nuance to the character of Adonis, portraying him as a complex and flawed human being rather than a one-dimensional hero.

Tessa Thompson also shines in her role as Bianca, Adonis's girlfriend and mother of his child. She is given more to do in this film than in the previous entries in the series, and Thompson rises to the occasion with a strong and nuanced performance. Her character is not just a love interest, but a fully-realized person with her own goals and struggles.

One of the most notable aspects of Creed III is the absence of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. While Stallone still serves as a producer on the film, his absence from the cast is felt throughout the runtime. However, the film wisely introduces Jonathan Majors as Adonis's new trainer, Duke. Majors brings a fresh energy to the film, and his dynamic with Adonis and Rocky is a highlight.

The fight scenes in Creed III are some of the most intense and visceral in the entire Rocky franchise. The choreography is expertly crafted, and the camera work puts the viewer right in the middle of the action. The sound design is also top-notch, with each punch and hit landing with a satisfying thud. The final fight between Adonis and Viktor is a standout sequence, both in terms of its emotional weight and its visceral impact.

The film's themes of legacy and family are explored with depth and sensitivity, adding emotional weight to the already high stakes of the boxing matches. The script, written by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin, balances the action and drama of the film in a way that keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish.

Creed III is also notable for being the first film in the Rocky franchise to be self-distributed by MGM under the ownership of Amazon. The film's release was preceded by controversy, as Amazon shut down the studio's previous distributor United Artists Releasing on the day of the film's release. However, the quality of the film itself is not affected by these external factors.

In conclusion, Creed III is a knockout addition to the Rocky franchise. Michael B. Jordan proves himself to be a talented director, and the entire cast delivers strong performances.

As the fight goes on, Adonis begins to wear down, taking a beating from the much larger and stronger opponent. However, he refuses to give up and continues to fight back with everything he's got. The fight reaches its climax when Adonis lands a devastating punch on Victor, knocking him down to the canvas.

With the crowd on their feet, Adonis manages to get back up and prepare for the final moments of the fight. In a thrilling finish, Adonis and Victor trade blows back and forth, with neither one giving an inch. Finally, Adonis lands the knockout punch, sending Victor crashing to the ground and securing his victory.

In the aftermath of the fight, Adonis is crowned the new heavyweight champion of the world, with Rocky and Mary Anne by his side. The film ends with Adonis reflecting on his journey and the legacy of his father, and looking forward to the future with hope and determination.

Overall, Creed III is a worthy addition to the Rocky franchise and a strong directorial debut from Michael B. Jordan. The film manages to balance the intense, visceral action of the boxing scenes with the emotional depth and character development of the quieter moments. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Jordan and Thompson once again proving their chemistry as Adonis and Bianca, and Jonathan Majors delivering a standout turn as the imposing and troubled Victor Drago.

While the absence of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa may be felt by some fans, the film manages to stand on its own two feet and establish its own identity within the franchise. Jordan proves himself to be a talented filmmaker, with a strong sense of visual style and an ability to elicit powerful performances from his cast.

Overall, Creed III is a triumphant film that honors the legacy of the Rocky franchise while charting its own course forward. It's a thrilling and emotional ride that will leave audiences cheering and feeling inspired.