REVIEW: Michael B. Jordan Lands Knockout Directorial Debut in CREED 3

This Monday,  had the pleasure of attending the LA premiere of Creed 3. Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut as he returns as Adonis Creed along with Tessa Thompson reprising her role as his superstar wife, Bianca. The film adds newcomer, Mila Davis -Kent as their daughter, Amara, and Jonathan Majors as Damian, Adonis’s former friend.

The film truly delivers from beginning to end, properly setting up the climax and really immersing the audience in the emotional rollercoaster that is playing out on screen. The soundtrack perfectly adds to the grittiness of the scenes. What is perhaps most notable is the anime style that Jordan used throughout the movie. Fans of that genre will recognize it immediately, but those who are not will still be able to see there is something rather unique from the previous films. It’s quite impressive for a newbie in the director’s chair and it adds to the fight sequences in a way we haven’t seen before. This isn’t your typical boxing film and that’s what makes Creed 3 so great.

Jordan and Major‘s aggressive chemistry really assisted with the build-up to the main event where the two face off once and for all. In the situation they are in, there are points where you truly feel for both characters. On one hand, you sympathize with Damian who feels he was done wrong and wants to claim what he believes is his: the champion title. But at the same time, one can only agree with Adonis because Damian is going about things all wrong. Of course, some of us were sitting in our seats seeing a Killmonger vs. Kang match, that’s no secret. Then there’s the emotional piece, not only between Adonis and Dame but with Adonis and his mother, played by Phylicia Rashad. This movie makes you feel a little bit over everything, from anger to sadness to victory.

As soon as left the theater, I stood and said, “Yeah, I want to see this a few more times.” There isn’t anything not to love about Creed 3. It truly packs a punch and Jordan delivers both on-screen and behind the camera. It truly delivers from beginning to end and is so enjoyable, you find yourself feeling guilty for wanting a fourth installment when we as moviegoers often know all good things must come to an end.