Creed 3 Review: Rekindling The Flame

There’s a transformative power that comes with watching an exhilarating movie in theaters. Any film lover will understand the wave of nostalgia that hits as the ending credits roll. I often find myself glued to my seat, still trying to process the assortment of compelling dialogue, spectacular visuals, and sensational scores. This is especially true of awe-inspiring films like Creed III (2023). This film directed by Michael B. Jordan, is the ninth installment of the well-renowned Rocky (1976) franchise. Building upon the foundational story of an underdog boxer rising to victory through determination and hard work, this latest Creed installment assured me of the Rocky franchise’s ability to continue expanding and inspiring audiences. Starring Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, and Mila Davis-Kent, Creed III showcases a formidable directorial debut from Michael B. Jordan, jam packed with terrific performances. 

Following the peak of his career, world heavyweight champion Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) retires and shifts focus to his family and job as a boxing promoter. However, when his childhood friend and aspiring boxer, Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) is released from prison after an 18 year sentence, Adonis is forced to acknowledge his traumatic past. Furious at the world and fueled by envy having watched Adonis live out his own dream from behind bars, Damian is determined to do whatever it takes to become world heavyweight champion. This clash between boxers who once shared a brotherly bond, unravels a complex history of two men whose circumstances molded them into fighters outside the ring. 

One aspect of the film that I applauded greatly was the representation of the deaf community. Early on in the movie, it’s revealed that Adonis’ elementary aged daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent) was born completely deaf. Both Creed I and Creed II had touched upon this theme through Adonis’ relationship with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) who deals with progressive hearing loss. However, the deaf community wasn’t represented in the first two Creed films with the magnitude that it was in the third. From the incorporation of sign language to details such as purple flashing lights in the family’s home signaling the sound of the doorbell, I enjoyed the consistent representation of the deaf community throughout Creed III. Amara’s deafness wasn’t just an alternate way to add depth to Adonis’ character. The deaf community was front and center, with Mila Davis-Kent portraying a refreshing boldness to Amara’s character amidst the palpable tension between Adonis and Damian. Rather than being pitied, she served as the pillar of the Creed family. With her sassy signing and unwavering determination, Amara proved to be a fighter in her own right. 

I was also struck by the performances of Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors. Both actors exhibited raw vulnerability while depicting the bull-like rage of true fighters. In a face off against the trauma of their pasts, Adonis and Damian weren't afraid to shed tears. Both actors promoted the idea of men being able to express emotions without having their strength questioned. Hollywood has a history of turning films centered around male fighters into macho propaganda. I appreciated how this film diverged from the traditional route of toxic masculinity by displaying Adonis as a powerful man who isn’t embarrassed to cry in front of others and seek comfort from the women in his life. 

While the visuals and representative themes exhibited in the Creed III were spectacular, nothing beats the intensity of the training montage music. Every self-proclaimed fan of the Rocky franchise knows how imperative the training montage is. It allows audience members to fully grasp the determination of the protagonist and riles them up for the final fight. It’s also the segment that prompts viewers to formulate workout plans that usually fall through (don’t worry, it’s the thought that counts). You may wonder how audiences are so easily inspired by such a short segment. I believe the perfect training montage relies on the film score, sometimes even more than the visuals themselves. Regardless, if you’ve ever watched Rocky (1976) you’ve surely heard Rocky’s theme “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti. Led by the rich sound of the horn, this song created a triumphant theme for the iconic character. Combined with the visual of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this training montage has cemented itself into pop culture. 

While the Creed universe continues to utilize Bill Conti’s compositions, it does so in a new school way. The training montage in Creed III samples “Going the Distance” from the close fight between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed (Adonis’ late father) at the end of Rocky (1976). In the last 3 minutes of the montage, the familiar brassy sound is accompanied by a gritty trap style beat that remains inspirational to contemporary audiences. Most people could listen to the score alone and feel the pure determination, resilience, and strength of Adonis oozing from the brass instruments and background chorus. Within the musical composition lies the true power of an iconic training montage. 

Overall, Creed III succeeded in rekindling the flame of the critically acclaimed Rocky franchise. I was incredibly impressed by Michael B. Jordan’s work both in front of the camera and behind it. Shot for IMAX, the film showcased stunning visuals and attention to detail. From the slow rippling of skin as punches were thrown, the beads of sweat visibly flying off the boxers’ bodies, and the crisp sound of gloved fists piercing through the air, it was an electrifying experience. This must-watch film effectively treasured the legacy of Rocky (1976) whilst making room for new stories to be told; an admirable quality of any franchise.