REVIEW: CREED III

4/5

Creed For This.

116 Mins. Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent, Florian Munteanu & Phylicia Rashad. Director: Michael B. Jordan. In: Theatres. 

The gloves are well and truly off now. 'Creed III', after its third of the third, '23 US release, finally finds itself in the Far East. Albeit on the ropes with controversy. All to do with one actor who isn't ringside...and another who is in the corner. 'Rocky' himself, the Sylvester Stallone, may have a statue in Philadelphia and a nomination for one from The Academy, but he isn't around for the third go 'round of the franchise spin-off 'Creed', aside from a name-drop and his "DNA" everywhere as Michael B. Jordan credits. Disagreements over the third act's "dark direction" for the working class hero and a long feud with producer Irwin Winkler over the rights are to blame. Of course, he is sorely missed here, but it's also a revelation to see Adonis Creed standing on his own two, with Rocky in memory, always, like Adonis. We just hope things can be made up for a comeback special as 'Creed' heads for its own Roman numerals. 

The other below the belt problem lies with Jonathan Majors. Abuse allegations against the actor have left what looked like the most promising career in Hollywood, on the canvas of confusion and disgrace. 'The Last Black Man In San Francisco' scene-stealing star had been building up quite the resume with films like Spike Lee's 'Da 5 Bloods', the all-black western 'The Harder They Fall' and the maverick fighter-pilot, historical, dear 'Devotion'. Then his stardom became mega after an appearance in Marvel's Loki as He Who Remains that was set to launch the next phase of 'The Kang Dynasty'. In March, he was in two of the biggest blockbusters of the year, completing franchise trilogies (this and 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania') playing the villain. But now, he's being accused of one in real life. His 'Magazine Dreams' of Oscar glory have given way to tabloid headlines, he has been dropped from many projects, like an Army advert and an Otis Redding biopic, and of course his Disney and Marvel future is in jeopardy. 

Sure, we don't know the whole story yet, it is up to a court of law to decide that. But we would be remiss not to take it into consideration. The supremely talented actor is surely in trouble. Some allegations have been questioned due to text messages (but who really knows what's really going on?), but other accusers have come forward. Again, we must leave this to the court of law. We do not stand by abusers in any way. His powerful performance here may be good, but if what he is accused of is true, justice must be served and lessons learned. But we will wait before we judge...because we aren't one. With that being said, in this age of cancel culture it goes back to a fallen 'House Of Cards', or many other Hollywood productions, should the rest of the artists at work here suffer because of one man's actions? If that's the case then what's 'Beef'? If your mind is ready to dismiss Majors then that is fair enough, but the rest of the cast doesn't deserve to be treated in the same minor way. 

Especially Michael B. Jordan. The 'Fruitvale Station' and 'Just Mercy' actor who is just trying to make this all work. Reuniting with 'Black Panther' director Ryan Coogler in this production, but actually taking to the corner chair himself in Michael's dynamic directorial debut. Jordan rules too in his crowning moment, before his production team takes on remaking 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. One-upping the 'Creed II' sequel as a superstar amongst stars in La La Land. A mansion up in the Hollywood Hills with his own Hall of Fame memorabilia flanked by framed jerseys of the Los Angeles Lakers dynamic duo legends, 'Most Dominant Ever' Shaquille O'Neal and the late, great Kobe Bryant. Retirement may be good, as a family man and fictional boxing GOAT, but Jordan's not done like when his namesake picked up sticks on the diamond. Jordan's direction is on-point. From traditional training montages to the best boxing 'bouts we've seen in years. They were inspired by Michael B.'s love of Japanese anime...and it shows. 

As soon as the cinematic beat of Dr. Dre's 'The Watcher' come into play, pounding the concrete of a brutal backstory in 2001, you know it's on. An old friend comes back into Donnie's life like a wrecking ball of hurt. Vowing to come for everything...and Adonis thought he had problems with him scuffing the hood of his car. It forces a formidable Game 7 performance from Jordan, not to mention his foe. Making for a face-off that hasn't been this thrilling since Rocky stepped in the ring with papa Creed. And that's even with classic cameos from previous fighters including Florian Munteanu (so good in the bus brawl of Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend Of The Ten Rings'), who is rumoured to star in his own 'Drago' spin-off with Dolph Lundgren. 

Without Sly, Michael B. Jordan's co-star on HBO's classic 'The Wire' Wood Harris rises to the occasion. Going to work with a sponge and bucket for a reminder to why he is one of the best actors around. Superstar Tessa Thompson is also proudly and firmly in Donnie's corner, making her own music. Although she plays a more featured credit, with the bruised romance of former friends taking centre stage. The real revelation in this third-part is their child, played perfectly by Mila Davis-Kent. Dealing with her disability and wanting to fight like pops, making for some absolutely beautiful scenes with the fondness of family. Add the legend that is Phylicia Rashad and her real acting and this franchise spin-off trilogy classic is complete. 'Creed III' may have taken a lot of losses recently, but what fighter hasn't had that happen? Jordan knows how to get back up for his biggest victory yet. The belt belongs to B. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Rocky', 'Creed', 'Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania'.