Review of Creed III (2023) by Metabones — 03 Apr 2023

As a Rocky fan who didn't really love Creed II, I thought Creed III was the true sequel to the first Creed (which I hold in high regard and the best Rocky film besides the first). Similar narrative themes can be found from writer Ryan Coogler's other films like Creed, Black Panther, and Fruitvale Station but Creed III's unique identity definitely comes from new-director Michael B.

Jordan, who infuses his own sensibilities and tastes into every scene. Especially the fight sequences. The film's core story felt similar to Rocky V but done in the right way; solid performances, great cinematography, well-paced editing, and clear directionality to the narrative.

The film charts into more familiar and predictable territory near the half way marker where character, unfortunately, take a turn into cliche stereotypes and lose a bit of humanity. Emotional clarity is lost during training montages and what's at stake is a little muddled.

Fortunately, it does end off on a high note with a satisfactory conclusion. I truly did feel like the absence of Sylvester Stalone's Rocky was not only missed, but could've been narratively powerful, sending the film soaring.

His absence doesn't compromise the film altogether but would've been a good film truly great with the right scene.