Creed III movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (2024)

The ambition alone is impressive.

For his directorial debut, Michael B. Jordan chose to take on “Creed III,” the latest film in the “Rocky” spinoff franchise and the ninth picture overall in the beloved boxing saga. He’s also directing himself in the process, as he returns once again to the titular role of champion fighter Adonis Creed, son of Apollo. And he’s electrifying on both sides of the camera, finding new swagger and emotional depth as the film’s star as well as real confidence and style as its director.

In doing so, Jordan is following in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone, who directed himself in four of the “Rocky” movies, including 2006’s heartfelt “Rocky Balboa.” But he also has to follow the work of his longtime friend and close collaborator Ryan Coogler, who helmed the original “Creed.” Jordan has taken all that pressure and expectation and turned it into a film that both honors the series’ legacy while spinning the lore forward. And totally unsurprisingly, he draws powerhouse performances from his co-stars, including a fearsome Jonathan Majors as Adonis’ childhood friend-turned-adversary.

“Creed III” takes a little while to get going, though, as it flashes back to 2002 Los Angeles to establish the shared history between the film’s eventual competitors. We see Adonis “Donnie” Creed sneaking out of his bedroom as a young teenager to watch his big brother figure, Damian “Dame” Anderson, dominate in underground fights. A violent confrontation on the way home one night seals both of their fates, with Adonis going onto greatness and Damian heading for an 18-year prison term. A precisely timed, beautifully placed match cut moves the story ahead 15 years to show us that Donnie now has the boxing career Dame always dreamed of; another jump to the present day reveals that Adonis has retired from the ring and is living a luxurious life in a modern mansion in the Hollywood Hills.

Jordan’s eye for detail is on display as he efficiently reflects the kind of wealth Adonis enjoys with his wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), and their deaf daughter, Amara (Mila Davis-Kent). The minimalist elegance and creamy neutrals—the work of production designer Jahmin Assa and costume designer Lizz Wolf—instantly indicate the tasteful, peaceful persona Adonis now seeks to exude to the world.

Just as Adonis is shaping the next generation of fighters as a behind-the-scenes force at his own Delphi Boxing Academy, singer-songwriter Bianca is penning tunes and working with new talent as a producer. They tell themselves they’re content, but there’s an intriguing tension in the mix as it’s clear they both still long for the spotlight that once defined them, nourished them. Thompson brings an earthiness and sensitivity to this heavily masculine movie, and young Davis-Kent—who is a deaf actress—shines brightly in her first major role, more than holding her own opposite veteran performers with her sparky presence and timing. Phylicia Rashad also returns with a crucial, graceful performance as Adonis’ mother, Mary-Anne. And the frequent use of sign language as a means of communicating within the family is a meaningful, authentic touch.

But their reverie is shattered with the arrival of Dame, who has toughened himself in prison in every way and now seeks the boxing glory he believes is his due. There’s a certain geeky glee in witnessing the spectacle of Kang vs. Killmonger, given the significant villainous presence both actors have had within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Majors, as always, is tremendous. He brings a deeply unsettling energy to the role—there’s something volatile about Dame beneath his seemingly placid exterior. The fact that he isn’t obviously raging all the time is what makes him scarier: He’s watching, plotting, seething, but his imposing physicality ultimately makes him ferocious.

Working with cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau and editors Jessica Baclesse and Tyler Nelson, Jordan the director takes a seemingly simple scene in which Adonis and Damian share an awkward reunion dinner and tells a full, rich story with it. The close-ups, the pacing, the decision to hold on an actor’s face for a beat or two longer than expected—they all convey so much meaning and subtext. The exchange is powerful for what it doesn’t show—for what these characters don’t tell us, for what they hold back strategically but we can sense, nonetheless.

But “Creed III” also gives the people what they want, and that is: multiple training montages. As they sing in “Team America: World Police,” “Even `Rocky’ had a montage.” Once it becomes clear that Donnie must get back into shape to fight Dame for the championship—at Dodger Stadium, of all places, a truly inspired location that’s so extremely L.A.—the screenplay from Keenan Coogler (Ryan’s brother) and Zach Baylin (“King Richard”) hits all the uplifting beats you’d expect, but tosses in some clever new ones, too. So yes, there’s running through the streets, on the beach, up a hill. There’s punching and sparring. But also: the sight of Adonis pulling an actual airplane through the sheer power of his pectorals. It’s kind of hilarious, but also wildly entertaining.

And when it comes time for the climactic showdown between these two warriors, Jordan makes some dazzling stylistic choices in terms of sound design, camera movements and visual effects. There’s a section where everything just…changes, providing an unexpected emotional resonance and a fresh perspective.

On the surface, “Creed III” may seem to be about hulking, muscular men beating the crap out of each other, and it exists within a genre where it’s often easy to discern between right and wrong, black and white. Adonis is all precision and control in the ring; Dame is rough and raw, fighting as if his life depends on it. But similar to Killmonger’s motivations in “Black Panther,” Dame’s quest for vengeance and even dominance is understandable. Watching these titans confront each other within that moral gray area—making themselves vulnerable in the process—is riveting.

Jordan has long since proven himself as an actor of terrific charisma, versatility and humanity; with “Creed III,” he shows he’s just as captivating on the other side of the lens.

Creed III movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (2024)

FAQs

Creed III movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert? ›

It's kind of hilarious, but also wildly entertaining. And when it comes time for the climactic showdown between these two warriors, Jordan makes some dazzling stylistic choices in terms of sound design, camera movements and visual effects.

What is the summary of Creed 3? ›

Did Creed 3 do well? ›

Creed 3 had the biggest opening weekend of all the Rocky movies, as well as earning 275 million dollars by the end of its run. That makes it the second highest grossing film in the franchise behind Rocky 4. What do you think caused this.

Is there a Creed 4 movie? ›

The much-anticipated Creed 4 is officially in the works, marking another exciting chapter in the celebrated Creed series.

Who assaulted Drago in Creed 3? ›

One letter contains a picture showing Dame with a fellow inmate that Donnie recognizes as the one who assaulted Drago. Realizing Dame orchestrated the attack, Donnie confronts him.

What is the message of Creed III? ›

Through its themes of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication, the film delivers an inspiring and uplifting message of hope and resilience. The movie tells the story of Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, whose life is flourishing, both professionally and personally, as he continues to dominate the boxing world.

What is the ending of Creed 3? ›

He manages to just beat the count, then goes on to knock Dame out and regain the championship. Afterward, Donnie reconciles with Dame, with both men admitting it was not the other's fault. Donnie joins Bianca and Amara in the ring in the empty stadium, where he pretends to box with Amara.

Why did Creed III flop? ›

The most significant issue with Creed III is that it fails to create suspense or engage the audience in its climax. The fight between Creed and Damian lacked the intensity and excitement of previous boxing scenes in the franchise, and I never felt like I was on the edge of my seat.

Why doesn t Sylvester Stallone like Creed 3? ›

The 76-year-old actor said in an interview that he did not participate in the filming of the movie because the story had been given a direction with which he did not agree. "That's a regretful situation because I know what it could have been," Stallone told THR about disagreeing with the new film's tone.

What happened to Rocky in Creed 3? ›

Despite being the face of the Rocky franchise, Stallone chose not to appear in Creed III due to creative differences with producer Irwin Winkler as well as with Jordan, although he is still a producer on the film. According to Stallone, the film had a much darker tone that he didn't agree with.

Will Creed IV be about his daughter? ›

Jordan will direct and star as Adonis Creed, with Tessa Thompson and Wood Harris likely returning. The story may focus on Donnie's relationship with his daughter, Amara, or expand the Creed-verse with new fighters from his boxing academy.

Why was Sylvester Stallone not in Creed 4? ›

Creed 4 is unlikely to feature Stallone due to the direction the franchise is heading. Rocky's absence in Creed III indicates the franchise's shift beyond Stallone's involvement.

What did Drago say to Adonis? ›

Ivan Drago : [to Adonis] You're much smaller than your father.

What did Leon do to Adonis? ›

After her funeral, Adonis confesses to Bianca about the night of Dame's arrest, revealing Leon to be the abusive caregiver in their group home before he was adopted. After Adonis attacked Leon at the liquor store, the ensuing brawl with Leon's friends caused Dame to pull a gun.

Is Drago Russian or Ukrainian? ›

Ivan Drago
BornFebruary 23, 1950 Moscow, Russian SFSR, USSR (present-day Russia)
NationalityRussian
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
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Does Adonis lose in Creed 3? ›

The movie ended with a major and intense battle between Adonis Creed and Damian “Dame” Anderson — but it was Adonis who wins in Creed III. The threequel, which marks Michael B.

Why did Damon go to jail in Creed 3? ›

When Donnie attacked Leon, Dame came to his defense armed with a gun and fought off Leon's thugs. While Donnie managed to escape as the police arrived, Dame was caught and received a harsh sentence of eighteen years in prison.

What makes Creed 3 dark? ›

The tension created between him and Creed was chilling, and his complex character proved an interesting reflection on Creed; the two are not always likeable but they are able to elicit sympathy with their backstories. Added to this darker theme, the film used much more 'dirty boxing' to emphasise its grittiness.

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