The boxing genre can feel limited at times, as if there are few fresh narratives to explore. What distinguishes “Creed III” is that it moves away from being solely centered on athletic competition; instead, the script by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin emphasizes a heartfelt family drama. It also marks a noteworthy directorial start for Michael B. Jordan, who returns in his familiar role. Adonis Creed (Jordan) has stepped back from training in the ring. Having accumulated numerous championships, he’s now happily married to Bianca (Tessa Thompson), a father to Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), a devoted son to Mary-Ann (Phylicia Rashad), and manages a successful gym where he trains promising young boxers. Things appear to be going well until his former childhood friend Damian (Jonathan Majors) reappears after nearly two decades in prison, bringing with him an old incident that creates friction between them. Eager to demonstrate his abilities and pursue the boxing career he’s always desired, Damian requests Adonis' assistance in securing a fight opportunity. Feeling responsible, Adonis agrees. Damian is a skilled but unsavory fighter, which only exacerbates the existing issues, leading to a final championship bout between the two men. The action sequences are skillfully handled and thrilling, even if their outcome isn’t surprising. The movie assumes that viewers have some familiarity with boxing rules; those unfamiliar with what constitutes a legal or illegal blow might find themselves lost. Despite my lack of knowledge about the sport, I still found the fight scenes enjoyable. The film's greatest strength lies in its well-developed characters, which has consistently been a defining feature of this series. Understanding the difficult history between Adonis and Damian significantly enhances their story of friendship turned rivalry, and there are genuinely moving moments involving Bianca, Amara, and Mary-Ann. The cast’s chemistry and acting abilities are exceptional. However, the film attempts to cover a great deal of ground. There's simply too much happening, which makes many parts feel rushed as Jordan moves quickly from one scene to the next. While it’s positive that the movie avoids feeling slow, it results in an experience where events unfold rapidly. Despite the detailed exploration of characters and their relationships, certain aspects of the writing feel superficial and, naturally, predictable. For a third installment in a franchise, “Creed III” surpasses expectations. Even with some shortcomings, the powerful performances, engaging storyline, and themes of resilience and the value of family make it worthwhile.

Source on TMDB