Creed III

When we went to discover the IMAX version of the third part of the cinematographic saga, knowing that Sylvester Stallone would not reprise his iconic role of Rocky Balboa, we had a real concern about the effectiveness of this new film. However, this concern quickly dissipates as the actor Michael B. Jordan delivers an impressive first film of sobriety and respectful of the universe developed by Sylvester Stallone. Of course, his film is perhaps too close to the structure of the Rocky films with its impressive boxing fight scenes, its training scenes and its dramatic and fragile characters who find themselves facing a harsh world whether in the streets or in the ring. 

Creed III reminds us in many ways of Rocky III Eye of the Tiger with Adonis Creed who hung up his gloves like Rocky Balboa, who has also become gentrified like him and who, despite his many injuries, will have to face an even more powerful enemy and, above all, who has an anger in him that gives him impressive strength and, above all, as in Rocky III, one of the most important characters will die of a serious health problem. Despite all his similarities Michael B. Jordan manages to make Creed III a sequel with a lot of new ideas like the fact that Adonis Creed has to face his demons from the past but also had to learn sign language to communicate with his mute daughter but also with his wife so that his daughter can join their exchanges. It's also nice to see that while Philadelphia is the city of Rocky Balboa, Los Angeles is the city of Adonis Creed. The scriptwriters Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin have managed to find the essence of the Rocky Balboa universe but to extend it in an efficient way by bringing a new look on the current boxing world. 

In this third part, which seems to conclude the cinematographic saga Creed, we witness the biggest fight that Adoris Creed will have to lead. So, after dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has prospered both in his career and in his family life. Having become the manager of many boxers and living in a superb property in the heights of Hollywood and that his wife went from the stage to the production of his record company, the troubled past of Adonis will bring him in his retrenchments and question him. The first scene of the film shows his past and his connection to his best friend Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors). When Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his chance in the ring too and to live a good life. Time has not been kind to Damian Anderson and he wants his revenge.  The confrontation between the former friends is inevitable and will take place in a boxing ring and will be ruthless. To settle the score, Adonis Creed, who had retired, must not only get back into shape but also fight his biggest fight yet.

Creed III by its sustained rhythm and by its will to develop the psychology of the characters proves to be the best of the three films dedicated to this character. Of course, it remains a spin-off of the Rocky saga and follows the rules, but it offers excellent moments of cinema and we must recognize that the chemistry is perfect between the superb Tessa Thompson and Michael B. Jordan. In the same way, Jonathan Majors imposes himself as an excellent actor as comfortable in the role of Kang the conqueror in the Marvel cinematographic universe as here in boxer who does not obey any code and ready to do anything to win. 

For his first film as a director Michael B. Jordan succeeds in delivering a great boxing movie and above all in keeping up with the universe created by Sylvester Stallone (here only producer). Those who appreciate the films of the Rocky saga will find the same pleasure in following the psychological and physical reconstruction of Adonis Creed. And even if the scenario does not reinvent this universe but rather readapts it because the plot reminds a little too much of Rocky III, the spectators will spend an excellent moment especially if, like us, they can discover it in IMAX format.

Creed III
Directed by Michael B. Jordan
Screenplay by Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin 
Story by Ryan Coogler, Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin 
Based on Characters by Sylvester Stallone 
Produced by Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan Elizabeth Raposo, Jonathan Glickman, Sylvester Stallone 
Starring Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad 
Cinematography : Kramer Morgenthau 
Edited by Tyler Nelson 
Music by Joseph Shirley 
Production companies : Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, Balboa Productions, Proximity Media, Outlier Society 
Distributed by United Artists Releasing (United States), Warner Bros. Pictures (international) 
Release date : March 1, 2022 (France), March 3, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 116 minutes

Seen on February 28, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 11, seat E19

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