When it comes to sequel trilogies, none has managed to consistently maintain their quality like the Creed series. Beginning in 2015 as a spin-off of the popular Rocky franchise, Creed proved hugely successful in handling the previous series torch while building its own legacy with the new trilogy focusing on Apollo Creed's son Adonis with Rocky Balboa repositioned as his trainer. With the first two Creed films being top-notch in regards to quality, Creed lll rounds what could easily be described as being an exceptional trilogy that keeps the Rocky brand going strong.
Continuing from where Creed ll left off, Creed lll has Adonis Creed now being hugely successful both in his career and family life. However, his title as a Heavyweight Champion becomes tested when an old friend and boxing prodigy returns from the past which ultimately sparks a face-off for the main boxing title. Creed lll's plot is one that remains remarkably faithful to the series while further advancing Adonis Creed's journey. With Michael B. Jordan's punchy direction and a story that feels deeply personal, Creed lll possesses all of the key ingredients that made the first two Creed's, as well as the Rocky series so endearing to audiences.
Much of Creed lll's power as an exhilarating boxing drama can largely be attributed to the strong performances of its cast. Both Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors command the screen with both demonstrating remarkable range as actors while driving the story. Jordan plays a more business-driven Adonis, whose really coming into his own here with the audience seeing shades of Apollo's personality in him. Majors is riveting as Adonis childhood friend Damien Anderson with him masterfully showing his characters jealously towards the life that Adonis currently lives as the world's heavyweight champion. His characters fighting style is fierce, brutal, and literally makes Rocky lll's Clubber Lang look like a Bunny Rabbit. Tessa Thompson continues to shine as Adonis wife, Bianca with her character finding herself stuck in the middle of a rift between Adonis and Damien. Mila Davis-Kent impressed here as Adonis and Bianca's deaf young daughter Amara Creed with her character shown to communicate with her parents through sign language. Other noteworthy performances from the cast include Wood Harris as Adonis trainer Tony "Little Duke" Evers, whose the son of Rocky and Apollo's previous trainer Duke, Florian Munteanu reprising his role as Viktor Drago, Physician Rashad as Adonis mother, Mary Anne Creed, Jose Benavidez Jr. as Felix Chavez, and Selenis Leyva as Laura Chavez.
With taking the directors chair for the first time, Michael B. Jordan impresses with his ability to craft a tightly-paced boxing story. Filming with the use of IMAX cameras this time around, Jordan presents the films boxing scenes as being larger-than-life with them having a clear anime influence (Which can be attributed to the fact that Jordan himself is an avid anime fan, and cited the latter as being a major inspiration behind the films boxing sequences). One sequence in particular that boasts heavy anime influence occurs during the films climactic battle between Adonis and Damien where both characters are transported to an empty stadium during their fight where the crowd disappears with the scenes main focus being between both men. Stylistically speaking, the sequence is visually striking, but can also be a glaring distraction for those who aren't familiar with anime. Despite directing the story with a steady hand and keeping things focused, Jordan's work reveals areas where improvement is encouraged such as the final fight feeling a bit rushed, or the cinematography being too shaky with close-up shots of the actors faces to capture the bits of emotion displayed on their faces. Despite these minor issues, Jordan does a fine directing job and presents a solid first directorial effort that fits right with the previous works of series directors Rian Cooler, and Steven Caple Jr.
The heart of Creed lll's story is about confronting ones past as evidenced by Adonis reflecting on his own and his friendship with Damien, which ended in tragedy. The first Creed was about Adonis learning the truth regarding who his real parents are and deciding to follow in his dad's footsteps while building his own legacy. Creed ll was about Adonis becoming the heavyweight champion by defeating the son of the man who killed his father in the ring. With Creed lll, the story takes a more personal approach with Adonis realizing that he can't run from his past and must face it. The script gives more backstory to unanswered questions regarding Adonis troubled childhood that was briefly shown in Creed's opening sequence with Creed lll showing teenage Adonis and Damien getting into a situation that resulted in him taking the fall for Adonis with the latter running away and not bothering to reach out to him during his entire time in jail. The scenes between Adonis and his daughter are among some of the films quieter and moving moments. The bits where he gives her boxing lessons brilliantly sets up the series potential future as Adonis arc becomes complete. Despite Rocky's character not being present here, his presence is felt throughout the story with his absence finally allowing Adonis as well as the Creed series the opportunity to stand on its own feet and mark its own legacy. Overall, the writing for Creed lll ranks as being strong with longtime Rocky fans being able to spot similarities in the plot to previous films, that operate more as a mirror to the past along with being clever homages.
While it's the least strong film of the series with both Creed's being just slightly above it, Creed lll delivers a knockout punch while bringing everything full circle. If the series were to end here, it would do so on a high note with Adonis journey to the Championship being complete. Creed lll is a terrific boxing drama that's pure excitement and all heart.
Final Verdict: A must see for Rocky and Creed fans.
Images Courtesy Of MGM And Warner Brothers
No comments:
Post a Comment