Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson
Just last week, audiences all around the world were provided with the latest instalment in the Rocky franchise, through the form of Michael B. Jordan's: Creed III.
When I first heard that Michael B. Jordan would be the man behind the camera for this production, as well as the face in front of it, I did have my doubts.
Seeing as though Ryan Cooler did such a solid job on the first two Creed films, I asked myself, "Why try and fix something that isn't broken?"
This would later go on to be a foolish question.
Over the last 10 years or so, Michael B. Jordan has impressed us with his wide range of skills in front of camera, and with his directional debut, he has proved to us that he is just as capable and creative as the man stood behind it (not literally as he is in more or less every scene in the film).
Throughout the press tour for this movie, Mr Jordan has spoken publicly several times about how he was wanted to incorporate one of his own personal passions within certain scenes in this film, that passion being anime.
You can see this with closed eyes right from the off as we are dropped straight into a match up between Adonis Creed and Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), and there are several creative and intriguing shots taken right out of the beginners guide of any anime production.
It is really impressive to see such work from the first-time director. I assume that most actors-turned-directors take the more conservative approach towards shooting their debut feature and don't take as many risks. But Michael B. Jordan certainly didn't take that approach, and ultimately, it paid off.
But alongside his impressive turn as a first-time director, we also see Michael B. Jordan produce another solid and compelling performance as Adonis Creed, headlining his third solo movie.
This time around, we see the character take on a variety of new emotions and scenarios such as dealing with death, being a Father, being a businessman and being able to react when an old friend comes knocking on the front door.
But I feel as though the real star of the show who certainly steals the spotlight (literally speaking), comes through the form of Creed's childhood friend: Jonathan Majors.
As I have mentioned in previous articles, Jonathan Majors is certainly one of the best actors working at the minute. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe currently at his fingertips, this time around we see Majors appear as Damien Anderson, a former boxing prodigy and childhood friend of Creed's, who wants to take over the boxing world.
Damien Anderson is a very interesting character that Majors definitely threw himself into. The physical transformation that the actor went through to get in peak shape for this role can not be overlooked, and is a representation of Major's true dedication to his craft.
But it wasn't just the standout performances and unique direction that is impressive about this film. What I was also fond of, is the simple yet effective storyline that we see unfold before us.
Although the main premise of the story is a simple one, and we can't expect anything that we don't see in the trailer, the depth in which the story goes into in regards to the character's backstories and the decisions they make can not be overlooked.
Not being a huge fan of boxing, or even sports movies myself, it is worth noting that there wasn't a moment in this film that I wasn't hooked by the intense rollercoaster that is this storyline, and everything else that came with it.
When it was reported that Sylvester Stallone wouldn't be featuring in this movie due to "creative differences" between himself and producer, Irwin Winkler, there were a lot of questions raised as to whether the film could stand on its own two legs.
Not only does it succeed in doing this, but it also takes the audience to another realm to the point where this film no longer belongs in the "Rocky" franchise, but in a franchise of its own.
Creed III is certainly a film to be remembered for a very long time.
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