Film review: ‘CREED 3’, by Nick Gardener from ‘Built For Speed’
The Creed films, which began in 2015, have been a solid but not especially exciting offshoot from the Rocky franchise. Part of the problem is that title character, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) while likeable and convincing in the role, is a bit bland. He seriously lacks the style and charisma of his father Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) Rocky’s nemesis turned bestie who was probably the most entertaining character from the original Rocky movies. Little has changed in the latest instalment, the mostly well-made but predictable Creed 3 which sees Jordan in his directing debut.
Here, Adonis has retired from the ring and is living a contended and luxurious life as a fight promoter and family man. He obviously hasn’t watched enough boxing movies because if he had he would know that for a fighter, a life of wealthy ease is never guaranteed and is ripe for demolition by the violent forces that shaped him in the first place. He’s forced to confront the ghosts of his past as the former friend and budding boxer, Damian (Jonathon Majors), who spent 20 years in prison for a crime in which they were both involved, suddenly re-enters his life. Feeling both pity and guilt for his seemingly down and out buddy, Adonis offers him money and a chance to train at his gym. The bitter and aggressive Damien wants more, though, including a shot at the heavyweight title, despite never having had a professional fight. Inevitably, this puts the two former friends on a collision course.
If people have a feeling of Déja vu watching this film it’s because Creed 3 is essentially a remake of Rocky 3 with the angry, badass challenger threatening the manhood and legacy of the now rich and cultivated hero. Here, Majors’ Damian is the equivalent of Mr T’s infamous Clubber Lang. It’s another strong performance from Majors who makes Damian an intimidating presence but not just a detestable one-dimensional thug, his actions seem credibly motivated by bitterness at seeing Creed live the life he believes he should have had.
Despite Majors impressive turn, this isn’t exactly a memorable character drama, the challenges each character faces are telegraphed well in advance and the outcome is pretty obvious. As a sports action film it’s ok. The boxing scenes are fairly dynamic and bone-crunching and feature some credible technique and fluid movement although the use of blue screens given them a slight video game look.
As well as lacking a really charismatic hero, this film falls short of its Rocky equivalent in a few other ways. There’s no memorable score. Rocky 3 had two indelible pieces of music, the classic Rocky orchestral theme and Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger which fuelled the training montage scenes which, even without the music, would have been better than those in Creed 3. Here, there’s just some serviceable background music and a few hip hop numbers. Also, there’s no Burgess Meredith who played Rocky’s grizzled old trainer Mickey. Wood Harris is a fine actor and does a decent job as coach Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers but he’s hardly an iconic figure and never utters superb lines such as ‘he’ll kill ya to death’ as Mickey famously did.
There’s just enough sporting thrills, energy and movement in the Creed films to make them worth a look but they’re unlikely to burn themselves into the cultural consciousness the way Rocky films did.
Nick’s rating: ***
Genre: Drama/ Action/ Sport.
Classification: M.
Director(s): Michael B Jordon.
Release date: 27th Mar 2023.
Running time: 117 mins.
Reviewer: Nick Gardener can be heard on “Built For Speed” every Friday night from 8-10pm on 88.3 Southern FM.