Mila Davis-Kent

More of a split decision than a knockout, Creed III immerses viewers in visceral boxing scenes but falls short in the character development that made the first two entries in this franchise such a delight. Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) again returns as Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s foe turned friend from the original Rocky franchise. Adonis, also called Donnie, is now a world championship boxer with a wealth of success who feels antsy in his retirement—one of several plot points that feel rushed and similar to the earlier Rocky films.

Creed III is not exactly a knockout, but it is an intense match with some fantastic performances, and a solid directorial debut by Michael B. Jordan. Writing wise, the story has its flaws and feels a little slow at times. However, Jordan’s creative shots and thrilling fight and training sequences help compensate for any sluggish moments. It punches up enough emotions and excitement to satisfy any Rocky fan and is a crowd pleaser that hits harder when watched on the big screen.

In his directorial debut, Creed III, Michael B. Jordan isn’t reinventing the wheel in terms of a sporting story, but he is adding an emotional nuance to it that makes it more than an ex-friends turned enemies battle of wills. Jordan wears his heart on his sleeve as both director and actor. Jonathan Majors could not be more perfectly cast as Dame – he is an actor that even at over six foot and looking like he could throw a truck across a room, is able to exude an internal intensity that is often astonishing. It feels that both Creed and Dame are fighting for their respective lives. Forgiveness is the key to Creed III, whether that be forgiving a child for his reckless actions or forgiving a man who was forged in the worst kind of fire. Jordan’s debut is a knockout.