Creed 3
12A | ★★✩✩✩

Widely acclaimed for their ability to capture the true essence of their predecessors, the Creed movies had up until now managed the impossible task of breathing new life into the tired old Rocky Balboa saga.

With Black Panther director Ryan Coogler at the helm, Creed 1 felt not only fresh and innovative, but also managed to catapult actor Michael B Jordan into genuine Hollywood stardom.

Now back for a third outing and with Jordan this time also acting as director, the franchise now seeks to explore its titular character’s humble beginnings as a troubled LA teen and later pits him against an old rival.

Although no longer in the director’s seat, Coogler has also returned as co-writer and producer alongside legendary Rocky star Sylvester Stallone.

Creed 3 (5)

(Image courtesy of MGM)

Years after his last victory as undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Adonis Creed is enjoying a seemingly perfect retirement alongside his musician wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson reprising her role) and their daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent).

The family’s home life is suddenly thrown into disarray when Dame (Jonathan Majors), one of Adonis’ childhood acquaintances, resurfaces out of the blue.

Newly released after almost two decades in prison, Dame begs for a chance to box again and prove that he still has it.

When old rivalries and dark secrets are revealed, Adonis is forced to come out of retirement one last time in order to face his demons and protect his family from his former friend.

While nobody can fault Jordan’s direction or his acting talents, the film is unfortunately let down by its dull premise.

Creed 3 feels like a chore to watch. It’s rushed, predictable and not convincing in the least.

Sadly all the elements that made the first two films so accessible even for those of us who have little disposition for seeing two grown men hit each other in the face repeatedly for a couple of hours are nowhere to be found here. Which is a real shame.