Africa Giant provides a critical analysis of Creed III, revealing the film as a deeply emotional tale of pain, regret, and the transformative power of brotherhood, rather than just a boxing movie. While the first two Creed films revitalized the Rocky franchise without sacrificing reverence for the original Stallone pictures, Creed III stands on its own as a powerful and poignant story about Adonis Creed’s struggle to reconcile his past with his present and future.
Jordan’s direction is confident, and the film moves with swiftness and drama. The script by Zach Baylin and Keenan Coogler borrows elements from Stallone’s Rocky II and Rocky V in a way that feels both like a remake and a fusion, and it never loses sight of the core themes of the franchise. Adonis Creed is a paragon of idealized masculinity, and Jordan’s performance is contemplative and nuanced, reflective of his character’s inner turmoil and struggle to balance his obligations as a father, husband, and boxer.
One of the key themes of Creed III is the idea that being a reliable person means constantly fighting to stay on top of one’s responsibilities. This exploration is evident through both Adonis and Bianca, who has also evolved as a character and taken ownership of her role in the franchise. As a couple, they are a powerful force, and together they face a myriad of challenges, from Damian’s return to Amara’s fighting and bullying at school.
The fighting scenes highlight the physical poetry of boxing, and Jordan’s bold directorial choices bring a fresh perspective to the franchise. However, some of the VFX elements used to emphasize the emotional significance of the fights feel out of place and at odds with the grounded nature of the rest of the franchise.
Overall, Creed III marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, as Adonis Creed emerges as the ultimate father figure fighting to secure his legacy. While the film appears as a boxing movie, it is ultimately a tale of pain, regret, and the power of brotherhood that explores the limits of what one person can achieve on their own and the transformative nature of true friendship and support.
