Creed III (released 3/3/23)

Geez, this movie came out swinging. In Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, he brings the best entry in the franchise. It takes what makes Rocky movies great (drama and the fights) and elevated them to new heights. I wanted to cry like two scenes in a row. It took Adonis from the comfortable life and brings him down as low as emotionally possible. The past, present, and future are ready to beat down Adonis. Family was a huge theme that played a major role in the story. Jonathan Majors killed it. His acting is charismatic, sympathetic, and all-around engaging. Also, Michael and Jonathan’s workout routines must be insane. The cinematography is interesting without feeling like a grad student in film school using every trick in the book. Reflections play a large part in that cinematography. It works because it is their past selves and present selves seeing who they were and have become. The final fight was also done in a very unique and interesting way that no movie in the Rocky franchise had really done. I’m just gushing over this movie so much. Literally, my only complaint is that because it is drama heavy, it felt slow at times and the runtime felt like its length. The movie is just so well done that it doesn’t even matter. I was thoroughly impressed and proud of the filmmakers for this one. This movie deserves every penny it gets. One final thing I want to say. Rocky is nowhere in this film, but his inspiration is sprinkled throughout the movie. The torch is officially passed and it did not hurt a thing.

Story - 20%

Characters - 20%

Pacing - 18%

Spectacle - 20%

Entertainment - 20%

Total score: 98%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here