The third Creed movie is making its way to theaters this week, and continuing on the boxing franchise started by Rocky Balboa in 1976. Technically the sixth movie in the franchise Creed III is not only the end of Adonis Creed’s career but sets the franchise up nicely for a possible next fighter in the future.
In Creed III, part of Adonis’ past comes back to haunt him, when a friend from his past is released from prison and wants what he feels is his rightful turn in the ring and turn at the championship title. The movie delves into parts of Adonis’ past that weren’t previously covered, unknown elements of his childhood and relationship with his mother as well as more about how his life has changed since his final fight seven years previously.
While the promotions of the movie focus a lot on the family aspect of the movie, it seems that the threat overall isn’t as bad as you go into the film thinking. Yes, Don’s reputation is put at risk and his career’s future as well – but the actual threat to his family is minimal at best. His dedication to family and to changing the mistakes of the past is the bigger focus of the plot. Boxing just seems to be the avenue to get to the story.
Creed III is also Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, with him appearing not only on the screen as Adonis (Don) but directing the movie and fight scene. Overall, the movie plays out like you would expect a sports film, and action shots having the main focus. However, there is definitely some more creativity taken when it comes to the final fight and how both fighters feel in the moment. This moment seems like a brief departure from the rest of the movie, but in the context of their fighting and tunnel vision, it almost fits.
Due to the nature of boxing in general there are some moments that are a bit bloody and violent and may not be for younger viewers. But the violence is mostly reserved for the ring and within the context of the sport. The bloody nature of professional boxing is violent, and the movie actually addresses the long-term effects the sport can have on the athletes and their life after they are no longer fighting.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Rocky and/or Creed series or sports movies in general, Creed III will keep your interest. Yes, there are sports and training scenes that would be expected but the movie does also have a lot of heart. The movie focuses on family, the pressures of the industry, and a lot of other issues that are woven throughout the film and in between the punching.
Creed III is in theaters everywhere tomorrow.
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About Creed III
After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been thriving win his career and family life. 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. But the face-off between former friends is more than just a fight, and to settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line.
