If you’ve watched the Rocky movies, you’re an OG. If you haven’t watched them, you have no idea what you are missing out on. So, go and watch those movies and then come back here. “Creed III” marks a thrilling addition to the iconic Rocky series, serving as a sequel to 2018’s Creed II and the ninth installment in the franchise. And the first time Rocky Balboa’s not throwing punches on screen (vvv sad, but it is what it is:/). Michael B. Jordan, our main man, not only steps back into the ring as Adonis Creed but also takes a swing at directing. And guess what? He delivers a knockout punch as a director. This movie is certainly for the big screens guys!!
Plot
So, kahaani shuru hoti hai three years after Donnie Creed (Michael B. Jordan) hung up his gloves. He’s living the good life with his lady love Bianca and their mini version, Amara. But agar sab theek rahe toh movie kaise banegi? Enter Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors), a blast from the past who has come to seek revenge. Backstory ye hai ki they were foster home buddies who shared the same dream- to be boxing legends. But, unfortunately, Damian fcked up (or did he?), and had to go to prison. But now he’s out, and he’s not here for a friendly reunion; he wants what he thinks is rightfully his. Cue the drama, the tears, and, of course, the epic boxing showdown. Fr bhai plot toh kaafi engaging hai, and so is the execution.
Performances
Michael B. Jordan is pretty freaking impressive in the movie, not only as an actor but also as the director. My guy not only delivers a standout performance as the retired boxer but also makes sure the movie is thrilling right to the end, even with a predictable plot. And then we have Kang… I mean Jonathan Majors as Damian, bringing a mix of hurt and fury that would make a hurricane look like a gentle breeze. You could see the need to seek redemption in his eyes, and that’s what made Damian so frightening. Tessa Thompson continues to rock as Bianca, and the rest of the gang, including Phylicia Rashad and Wood Harris, reprise their roles smoothly. It’s like a family reunion, only with fewer awkward hugs and more uppercuts.
Direction and Writing
Michael B. Jordan really impresses as the man behind the camera. Directing and starring – and nailing them both. Fr, it takes a Michael B. Jordan to do both with top-notch efforts. He not only manages to keep the adrenaline pumping with breathtaking fight sequences but also adds an emotional drama aspect by diving deep into the emotional baggage these characters carry. If you think this movie is just gonna be about people punching each other, you’re so damn wrong. There’s personal struggles, familial bonds, and the relentless pursuit of redemption in the mix too. The writing, even though predictable, is not for your cliched sports drama. Ryan Coogler’s writing is not just about boxing; it’s a psychological rollercoaster exploring friendship, redemption, class discrimination, and the effects of past traumas on people. Matlab, aisa samjho ki it’s therapy but with more punches and less couch time.
Screenplay and Cinematography
The screenplay isn’t just jab, cross, hook – it discusses class disparity, and the impact of past trauma to hit you right in the feels. The banter, the drama, the one-liners – it’s a verbal boxing match, and everyone’s a winner. And can we talk about Kramer Morgenthau’s cinematography? The boxing scenes are not just fights; they’re a visual spectacle. Joseph Shirley’s music and the sound? Top-notch. It’s like having a ringside seat to the emotional rollercoaster, and you’re not just a spectator; you’re in the ring.
Seedhi baat, no bakwass– “Creed III” is a cinematic extravaganza. Even without Stallone throwing punches, it doesn’t miss a beat. It’s not just about the punches; it’s about the punches life throws at you. Whether you’ve seen the first two or not, it doesn’t matter – “Creed III” is a standalone knockout. Predictable? Maybe. Boring? Never. It’s a wild ride, and the only dull moment is when the credits roll. So, do give it a watch, if possible on the big screen, because Creed is not just a boxer; he’s a storyteller, and “Creed III” is one heck of a story. Ding ding, let the fight begin!
