#MovieReview: Creed III proves a boxing movie is as good as its villain

Creed III provides another solid entry into the Rocky spinoff series which again proves the endless watchability of boxing movies.

From The Quiet Man, through Rocky, Raging Bull and the excellent first Creed, boxing has been a staple of cinema since the artform was invented – and for good reason.

What better way to tell an underdog or redemption story – a favourite of both sport and film fans – than one where a literal fight is the movie’s crescendo?

The stakes could not be clearer; whoever is left standing is the winner and man on the mat has lost.

It has presented us with innumerable tragic protagonists, from On the Waterfront’s Terry Malloy, to The Boxer’s Danny Flynn to Michael B Jordan’s Adonis Creed himself.

Aside from starring as the eponymous Creed, son of Apollo for Rocky fans, Creed III is also the directorial debut of Jordan.

Though Creed III does not match the highs of the the first entry, helmed by Ryan Coogler, it is easy to digest comfortable melodrama for lovers of the sport.

Like Ant-Man Quantumania before it, the movie works best as a showcase for the magnetic Jonathan Majors who chews up the scenery in another memorable villainous turn.

Spoilers to follow

Creed III follows Adonis in the wake of his Creed II world heavyweight title, after which he decided to hang up his gloves.

But when Damian Anderson (Majors) shows up after getting out of prison, Adonis has to face professional and personal demons alike.

Anderson was once the prized fighter of the two when they were growing up together, but lost his chance at greatness when he was locked up… or so he thought.

Feeling guilty about his comparative success, Adonis offers to help Anderson back into the ring, but there are deeper issues in their relationship that emerge.

Aside from acting rings around the rest of the cast, Majors is frankly terrifying in the role and looks every inch a mean and aggressive fighter.

Where Adonis appears sculpted from Marble, Anderson’s functional athleticism and strength would not look out of place in a real life title fight.

Of course, the two face off in a final showdown.

Here Jordan takes a big swing as a director, drawing inspiration from anime (Japanese cartoon) fights in the way he films the action.

It did not work for me personally, but many others have praised the choice and with millions of hours of boxing footage before it, at least he is looking for a fresh take.

Solid if not outstanding, Creed III is worth watching for Majors alone – keep an eye on his career over the next decade.

Rated 13 for Language and Violence.
3.5/5.

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