Franchise fatigue has been a common problem for quite some time, to the point where the phrase itself is exhausting. Last year, all ten of the highest-grossing films in the US were part of an existing franchise, and unfortunately, most of them were not well-received. This has led to a sense of resignation among audiences, which can become even more pronounced when yet another disappointing Marvel movie is released. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon with a rare sequel that manages to renew faith in the potential of franchises. This latest installment could be the best one yet, and it’s a much-needed respite from the fatigue-inducing trend.
Despite the underwhelming response to the third Ant-Man movie, audiences around the world are still experiencing a sense of apathy. However, there is hope on the horizon with a rare sequel that has the potential to renew one’s faith in the legitimacy and value of franchises. This latest chapter could be the best example of this concept currently available, providing a much-needed remedy for those suffering from franchise fatigue.
Ryan Coogler deserves much of the credit for the many delights of Creed III. As the writer-director of the first Rocky spin-off and overseer of the next two films, Coogler has demonstrated his talent for creating compelling and necessary cinema, as evidenced by his critically acclaimed Marvel hit, Black Panther. Despite his success, Coogler has maintained his independent spirit and commitment to depth and sensitivity in his work, qualities that are all too rare in today’s multiplex cinema. The Creed movies have effectively combined the spectacle of boxing with character-driven drama, resulting in a graceful and moving cinematic experience.
Although Coogler has story and producer credits for Creed III, he has handed over the director’s chair to Michael B Jordan, the film’s star. Jordan, who is making his directorial debut, is more than up to the task. As an actor, he has always been passionate about the character and the legacy of the franchise. While it might seem like a stunt for a first-time director to take on such a big project, Jordan smoothly takes the baton from Coogler and races past the finish line to resounding cheers.
Adonis “Donny” Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, has retired from boxing and is focusing on his family life with wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), but he remains a celebrity unable to escape the spotlight. However, Donny is forced to return to the ring when an old childhood friend named Damian (Jonathan Majors), who has recently been released from prison, seeks to resume his boxing career. Although Donny feels guilty and offers to help, he soon realizes that Damian is more dangerous than he thought, leading to a fight.
Jordan and Thompson maintain their magnetic on-screen chemistry, portraying a couple whose happy marriage is frequently threatened by tension reminiscent of early 90s domestic thrillers. The interpersonal conflicts could have been more fully explored, but the script is occasionally overstuffed, with extraneous scenes featuring Phylicia Rashad, whose luminous presence cannot fully compensate.
As the antagonist, Majors delivers a fantastically complex performance, portraying a character victimized by a harsh system from which Creed was fortunate enough to escape by discovering his privileged family. Their shared history weighs heavily on their interactions, creating a complicated dynamic that is brilliantly played by both actors, with Majors delivering a knockout performance in the showier role.
Majors’ movements both in and out of the ring convey a jerky unpredictability, reflecting his social unease with the world outside of prison and a simmering, dangerous fury. The boxing scenes are as thrilling and immersive as ever, capturing the brutal impact of each punch, though Jordan’s stylistic choice in the finale is a misstep.
Despite Stallone’s absence (due to his unhappiness with the direction of the film), Jordan’s Creed proves more than capable of rising to the challenge without him. With two big wins under his belt, he is a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Although Creed III may not reach the same heights as the first film, it is still immensely satisfying to see sequels made with purpose and patience. The plot may not be surprising, but the pleasure lies in watching it unfold with characters we have grown to love. The film scratches the itch for mid-budget adult drama and offers big stars grappling with big emotions on a big screen, existing in a realer world than we usually see in this context. The family drama is compelling, although some may feel that there were excised scenes that could have benefitted Thompson’s character. Overall, Creed III is a top-tier sports movie made in a long, trustworthy tradition.
