Creed III - Can It Go The Distance Without Rocky?

So Creed 3 is out, with Michael B Jordan directing for the first time, and its also the first movie in the series without Rocky Balboa to protect it. Can it get out from under Rocky's shadow, or will the franchise fall in the 3rd round?
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[@47drift]

I basically agree with this review 100%. The one thing that bothered me most was Rocky not attending his best friend's wife's funeral. He would never miss such a thing.

[@hartantoanggoro]

Sly wanted to appeared but he got no script for him to appear. With time skips I thought Rocky might be passed away since his cancer might be appeared again since the remission might be incomplete. But again Rocky didn't even appeared in Mary Anne funeral is a bit too much for Rocky to never appeared.

[@Drifter1989]

You talking about Rocky not being at the funeral but where the hell is Adonis’ siblings. He had that one line saying he’s not close to them but still, that’s their mother that passed.

[@oldcrankybtard]

​@@bananaboi9067 rdj wasn't in the last avengers much? I'm confused by your comment.

[@hartantoanggoro]

@@Drifter1989 They are never mentioned nor even known to exist except during Rocky 2 which mentioned by Apollo once, Mary Anne never showed Adonis his step siblings nor even mentioned them since. And again both children are never named only mentioned by Apollo as his daughter being shamed for having his father win without a KO.

[@kfalco]

@Yohann Just because Adonis siblings aren't shown doesn't mean they're not around. Understand, the movie is centered around Adonis, not his siblings. If Adonis is not close to them, in realness, his brother and sister prob doesn't acknowledge him as legit because of the trauma of losing their father but by the time Mary Anne takes in Adonis, her two bio children are older and perhaps like Rocky Jr., have their own lives and family. The movie not showing them makes sense. And Rocky not showing up to Mary Anne's funeral makes sense because when Adonis met Rock in his restaurant, he knew Rock hasn't spoken to her since Apollo's funeral.

I loved that scene with complete silence and full-on fight between brothers. There ware really interesting bits in this movie, but there's definitely room for improvement. If it was for me, the Rocky universe would never end. I just wish Creed had another movie as a fighter before having to retire. He became a "legend" too fast imo.

[@Will008]

Same here.😊

[@LycanVisuals]

This is an incredible directorial debut by Michael B Jordan. Criminal charges should be brought against marvel for how they used Jonathan majors lol because he too was also a beast in this movie and when it was all said and done you actually felt really bad for Dame because he was a man who had his entire life taken away and just wanted a shot. It was also cool seeing Drago again also.

[@chiquita683]

Even Antman could pull $100 million the opening weekend. $58 million and nothing but downhill from here. Yikes

[@christianbjorck816]

Have zero interest in this though, considering how Rocky and Apollo were mistreated in the first entry 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@cubanref9670]

​@@chiquita683Antman cost 300 million. This, maybe a third of that or less. Stop being a shill and use your brain moron. 🤣😂 This took away Imax screens from Antman on the third week. Unheard of in the first 3 phases. Go cope.

[@Profitglutton90]

@@chiquita683 creed 3 is at $110 million in 6 days. What are you talking about?

[@LennerPOPPADOPALIS89]

@@chiquita683 marvel is dead

[@HashimWarren]

The Creed daughter subplot was about handling your emotions. Creed didn't just fight his nemesis, he had a conversation and reconciled with him. Therefore he becomes a worthy teacher to his daughter

[@fabolousjada5070]

Like rocky

[@Bill-ou7zp]

Although, that reconciliation scene did not balance the fighting enough to really do justice to the ‘handling your emotions’ theme

[@HashimWarren]

@@Bill-ou7zp that's an interesting perspective! For me it was perfectly played. The didn't become best friends, and the "we were just kids" had me burst into tears

[@eduardmanecuta5350]

​@@HashimWarren Yeah. But that still don't explain why he try to take everything from Adonis. And Dame didn't have enough development as a fighter. Why suddenly people start to cheer for him after he one by using a lot of dirty tactics? It seem to force to me how they hype him over night. He had one official fight and next one was Adonis. I would have being nice to see him fight a few more fights and see him develope. I liked the fight choreography. But the emotional impact wasn't really there.

[@HashimWarren]

@@eduardmanecuta5350 I agree.. but this is the Rocky universe where unknown boxers can get a championship match 😄

[@heraldofwar]

Watching the Rocky films in order 1-4 really shows what you can do with good characters, the rivalry between Rocky and Apollo and how they team up and take on Clubber Lang then forging a friendship and finally Rocky taking on Ivan Drago for revenge for his friend. This is what is missing from the creed films.

[@antithoughtpolice7497]

But Victor and Drago had that conflict and team up. If they do a fourth, I think it's gonna be like Rocky 5, but with a happy ending. Donnie teaches Victor and he becomes the next unstoppable force

[@razorsfury6519]

that whole series from 1-4 was just played on pluto tv :D

[@WeylandLabs]

100% Agreed ! I like to see Drago fighting for a poor Ukraine and his father, over wealthy Russia and his Mother abandoning him and to find out he has a little half brother in Russia that she hid, that is bigger than him and pretty much a clone to his father without the flaws. And Viktor Drago fights for something more than himself and the name, he fights to liberate and inspire Ukraine with Rocky and Adonis in his corner ! Boom New "Drago" series and the Ukrainian war ends in real life ! 😂

[@strategery101]

Rocky Balboa was good too. These new ones are just not the same to me.

[@polkod]

No love for 5??? Has a very real life lesson to learn; be careful of those you let into your circle. Rocky 4 has moments but it the most odd entry in the series.

[@dixonhill1108]

Michael B Jordan playing a retired boxer, oh my god is that depressing, how do i get so old? I remember him as the little hopper on the wire.

[@Minette203]

We know what happened to Drago from Creed II: he was shunned and shamed for losing, basically exiled from Russia, his wife left him and hehad to take care of his son alone. Honestly the younger Drago was the real hero of that movie for me, with a lot more to lose. I really hope we'll get a movie focusing on him too.

[@ridgetop8161]

That was the cover story. In reality he teamed up with Rocky and a bunch of other old dudes to form a mercenary group to assault a small South American island. Rocky, helped Drago to get a new identity under the name Gunner Jenson to insure that the USSR would not send him to the gulag.

[@james575730]

@@ridgetop8161 haha and apparently rocky stole that script, got sued for it

[@Isnogood12]

@@ridgetop8161 And that's where they met The Predator.

[@generalnsj]

@@ridgetop8161 Hold on...I heard that Drago, reeling from his loss, comes to the realization that boxing just wasn't for him and went back to school. I think he got his degree in chemical engineering. A true story of redemption.

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

Drago was Ukrainian. It's his father who was obsessed with his Soviet Russian roots, but it's clear that he himself had no real allegiance to Russia.

[@Alchemistic88]

Damian was also never really the bad guy. If anything, I was finding myself on Damian's side for most of the movie. And it's sad that the movie resolved with him being beaten and all alone. After 20 years in jail for defending Adonis as children, after being abused, to have some jealousy and to want to have your moment is completely justified. I dunno, I wish Adonis had been more accommodating to Dame after the fight. He's like his big long lost brother and he just left him broken and alone after it all.

[@thelaughingrouge]

Agreed. If anything Creed is the villain here.

[@swiftstreak98]

​@@thelaughingrouge I don't think anyone is the villain perse but I can see why Mary Anne did what she did

[@emilxert]

Goes to show how immature Creed was to his friend - I mean you’ve already retired, let the man who took the beating have his time under the sun because you were the sole reason why he went down all those years ago. First half of the movie was splendid, the reasoning for the final fight and the conflict was eye rolling

[@askandanswer1503]

​@@emilxertcheaters never win is supposed to be the message then it could have been a great start to the drago movie if Adonis lost this

[@NotJam3s]

Yeah they tried to force the villain arc by saying he cheated. Like he wouldn’t be banned from boxing for such an act

[@garrettstephens8168]

I would’ve liked them to show a montage of Damian winning like 2-3 more fights to prove that his winning the match wasn’t just a “fluke” or him fighting dirty. That would’ve made Creeds comeback more meaningful. I also wanted more of Biancas music storyline panned out. Or at least more impactful with her fighting with Adonis/telling him how much she misses singing. Idk maybe she is really just okay producing and keeping her hearing, but I wish they would’ve panned it out more as the second most major side character in the series besides Rocky.

[@itsjustwan2512]

But thats the thing… it was just him fighting dirty His plan was to get Creed in the ring from the start. And he did it by any means necessary

[@icidagod937]

I expected Dame to be more of a dirty fighter. He was asking a lot of questions about Creed's family especially his daughter being deaf and his wife not being able to do what she loves. I felt they could have made him more of a villain if he would have used this information to antagonize Creed more.

[@t.n.tforever3400]

I said the same thing !

[@JDotvaporz]

Yeah, I enjoyed the movie but it felt rushed.

[@monteiro1345]

​@@icidagod937 I think the whole point was to not actually make him evil tho. You're supposed to kinda get where he's coming from

[@TheRealMonkeyrogue]

Part of the way the originals maintained that frenetic pace during the fights was those cool zoom cuts they used. It would cut to a character and do this slow zoom in. Then cut back to what they were watching to show the implications of their reactions. It helped tremendously.

[@TornadoOfSouls777]

The Original Rocky won the Oscar for Best Picture...when that really meant something

[@shaeyager8165]

Saw Jonathan Majors first in Lovecraft Country…..the man definitely has acting chops. He carried the entire series.

[@honuswagner9348]

And now he's arrested for being a woman beater LOL

[@shen5533]

​@@honuswagner9348 lmao

[@jimbobjunior.]

Acting chops and karate chops too apparently!

[@chris_ceree]

Fraud

[@ezpz4646]

​@@honuswagner9348Except he didn't do it.

[@thebrownbaldy]

To be fair, Ivan Drago was in Creed 2 and we found out his country kicked him to the curb after losing to Rocky. MBJ did very in his directorial debut and if the series ends with Creed 3, that actually works vs running it into the ground. Adonis' story has already been told just like Rocky's story wrapped up in Creed 2. And yes, Johnathan Majors was DEFINITELY better here than he was in Quantumania.

[@dakotatucker2989]

Here’s the full vid: that explains kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uTop14rdxlnac after so long, it’s here.

[@rumblebird9888]

These bots

[@handlesrstupid123]

​@@rumblebird9888 so many bots

[@CK......]

"Tooooooooo beeee faiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir."

[@davekennedy6315]

​@@rumblebird9888 just report the c@#£s.

[@mck-qt7hu]

Rocky 5 also had one of the series best lines..."you knocked him down, why don't you try knocking me down now?"

[@realworld3361]

and the follow up... "my ring's outside!"

[@yuricahere]

Despite always playing simple minded muscle-head characters, Stallone knows how to tell a story that connects with the audience in his movies.

[@Gos1234567]

Yea this one was weird,i was totally on Dames side,i mean he was 18 years inside,for what im not even sure,he only pulled a gun(did i miss something here?) Did not like Adonis in this one at all so impossible to feel "happy" at the end of it,i just felt like Dame got fcked over again

[@flarewinggames9093]

​@gerry o sullivan He mentioned that he "had a few priors" from before he pulled the gun, so I think that led to an increased sentence

[@LittleMAC78]

I don't think the Rocky character in particular was just a 'simple minded muscle head'. The character had a lot of heart and self awareness of his lack of formal education. The character had a beaten down optimism which was clearly semi autobiographical on Stallone's part.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

​@@LittleMAC78 I think what the person meant was that his characters aren't geniuses or very clever minded people. They are just simple guys more relatable for most of the audiences unlike characters like Tony Stark, Sherlock Holmes or James Bond who are charming but not really relatable for your average joe

[@machineguncrally7020]

Stallone is an incredible actor I’ll have you know. One day people will realise he was one of the greatest actors

[@Adamatronamus]

Watched Creed 2 yesterday. I found myself fast forwarding the scenes to get to the Rocky scenes. Rockys humbleness and down to earth nature is missing from the newer films.

[@Sketch_XR]

We actually did get a peek into what happened to Ivan Drago after the events of Rocky IV in Creed 2. The struggle between Ivan and his son Victor is one of the most interesting parts of Creed 2 IMO.

[@GrapplingIgnorance]

Correct. Creed II is a Creed movie. He was comparing the Creed movies, which acknowledge past opponents to the Rocky movies, which only really acknowledged Apollo Creed and technically Spider Rico.

[@Pluto2363]

Agree. I actually felt really bad for both of them when they each looked over and saw the ex wife had left the fight. I’d really like to see a Drago movie and see Victor win the belt. The movie should include stuff about his time with his dad in Russia as flashbacks etc. Maybe even flashbacks of what Ivan went through after the loss to Rocky post Rocky IV

[@offworlder1]

@@Pluto2363 Ivan’s wife was only with him die to his fame, she never gave a shit about Ivan nor Victor as Creed 2 shows. Victor was loved by Ivan though and you can see the strong bond of father and son in Creed 2 which to me was important to see.

[@el_killorcure]

@@offworlder1 Pretty sure most peopke who watched Creed II did it to watch Drago and Viktor, not Creed. I sure was one of them (why do you think they cut out the afterfight scene with Creed talking to Viktor and Drago burying the hatchet with Rocky? It took the spotlight away from Creed himself).

[@CornyBum]

Yeah, I loved that shot near the end of the two running together.

[@carlossuarez3445]

Rocky is a testament to the resiliance of the downtrodden. Thats why it was so beloved and aged so well😊

[@brandonmclendon5368]

One thing I was really shocked about was how well Michael handled both directing and acting. I think the Creed franchise will be just fine with Michael at the helm

[@truthoftheuniverse4179]

THSI MOVIE IS WOKE GARBAGE CMON NO ROCKY

[@st.michaelofcigarillo2845]

The Creed Franchise has been a pile of hot garbage from the start. What TF are you talking about?

[@krisj827]

​@@truthoftheuniverse4179the movie wasn't woke

[@roguebarbarian9133]

@@st.michaelofcigarillo2845 What are you talking about? If you look up Rotten Tomatoes scores, audience approval ratings, etc. You'll see the Creed films are almost identical in popularity with the Rocky films.

[@dynamite_dynamite5954]

@@krisj827 Notice the “all caps”typing and the simplicity of the point the commenter calling it woke is trying to make. It’s just a troll. Most people like the movie for a reason.

[@tylergoodman3560]

The analogy of the training wheels on the bike is spot on. You may stumble and fall down at first, but eventually, you get the hang of it along the way.

[@billybatts8283]

I was always under the impression Creed 2 was Rockys last dance, that's how it felt. I mean maybe have a phone call or Creed mention him, they're family. But Rocky got his ending and Creed is where he is because of Rocky. God Rocky got multiple character endings really, but his overall arc at the end of Creed 2 is complete; reunited with his son and ready to be a grandfather after being a dad to the bastard son of his best friend. There's no way to top that unless you have like a intergenerational Best of the Best type tournament against Aliens and Rock has to fight....

[@danknfrshtv]

Oh man, you mentioned Best of the Best and I got hit by a massive wave of nostalgia. Haven't seen that movie in decades! Time to revisit I think...

[@Skymoc4]

If you ask me, Rocky's REAL last dance was 'Rocky Balboa' (ROCKY VI). It was the perfect rap for his character.

[@josephaaron4985]

I love all the Rocky movies. When I first saw Rocky V I always wondered why it was so different. It wasn't the different everyone else felt where it's the lowest rated movie, but it was a different that just confused me, yet, made me love the franchise as a whole. Plus, I love how Rocky and his son both get to fight their enemies: Rocky fights his betraying apprentice, and Robert fights his bullies that become his friends. I look forward to seeing MBJ's directorial debut in Creed III

[@trevorsrq6179]

Delightfully surprised. Wasn’t Woke. Didn’t suck. Wasn’t degenerate. Great fight choreography. Much respect for the work that went into this.

[@jstos3675]

Drinker......you are a magnificent Scottish man.

[@andrewbarge3461]

And a magnificent Manly Scot 😊

[@chasehedges6775]

One of the best guys of all time

[@mr.winkie]

Creepy.

[@bharatvarshaball4000]

Drunk cursing hell raisers

[@lovaboy57]

Another storyline I thought should have developed more was Felix. Adonis talks him into fighting Dame as a last minute substitute and Felix agrees specifically because he trusts Adonis and Adonis tells him “if I were you, I would do this”. Then Adonis’s buddy fights dirty and rips away the championship belt. Yet, Felix is sitting in the locker room celebrating with Adonis at the end of the movie like nothing happened. I thought that Felix was going to feel betrayed by Adonis and that Adonis would have to strive to make amends. Another side note-I totally expected Adonis to get into a slugfest with Dame. Then, at the start of the 12th round, look down at his daughter and have her sign to him “Control. Focus.” It would’ve wrapped up the daddy-daughter storyline and also differentiate Adonis from Dame and prove why he had come as far as he did.

[@jamakinmekrazie2217]

Some things I really enjoyed: The stylized fights like the beginning one and the final fight where the crowd disappears has such style and is much appreciated. The father daughter dynamic was very well handled which is rare these days It would've been so easy to have a "liar revealed" thing with his past but I am glad they didn't and just have Bianca get mad at him but support him The discussion on retiring from your dream with unfinished business from Adonis and Bianca is easily relatable Some things that were lack luster: When you got to a Rocky movie you want to see the training montage and this one was a little flat The scheme Damian had for getting his first fight was just so weird if you start to pick it apart Its basically Rocky 5 with the main character taking someone under their wing to get betrayed and them having to fight The end fight had no ups or downs beside the hard hit Creed took and had to get up

[@papediop9510]

Yea I agree. I was hoping for more when it came to the training montage.

[@tendoguyem145]

​@@papediop9510 totally with you, I was so hype but he keep it somewhat 'normal'.

[@sambeezy007]

Wow someone gets it without being a blind oblivious fan. I gave the movie a C- but A for effort for Jordan directing his first movie. If Dame had a montage of dominance working his way up and the fighting montages was better, the movie would be overall better.

[@Anduehan97]

i sort of agree, but i have to say the final fight scene with the prison doors and all of that just seemed cheap to me, almost like a TV commercial

[@barnabusdoyle4930]

I would love to see Drinker’s take and comparisons of the different boxing movies like he did the James Bond comparisons. Personally, I really liked how Cinderella Man did the ring fights.

[@kaliefaul1905]

I wouldn't mind hearing his take on Million Dollar Baby, myself. Fucking fantastic movie, right there.

[@barnabusdoyle4930]

Yeah, Million Dollar Baby is another really good boxing movie.

[@grandmufftwerkin9037]

It's crazy to think how old guys like Stallone and Schwarzenegger are now. Soon all of our childhood action heroes will be gone.

[@martinlopez2816]

😭😭😭😭

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

And the legendary directors

[@cattysplat]

Pretty soon we'll be old too.

[@brianfrisbie8106]

One of the surreal things about watching the Rocky/Creed movies is that, back when the franchise first started, boxing was just as huge in real life as it was in the movies. But at least in the States, in the decades between Rocky V and Rocky Balboa, boxing has sort of faded away in real life; losing ground to competitors like MMA, bad PR due and management, etc. Yet in the movies, even picking up decades after the fact, the world of boxing hasn't lost it's shine. It's become the most fictional element of the series.

[@cattysplat]

Yeah I'm not a huge fan of the clean shiny and expensive media looks in the modern boxing movies, it makes the boxers look like vain film stars that everyone is fawning over. Bring back the gritty grounded working class struggle where everything is on the line, relationships are pushed to their limits and the winner takes the (temporary) glory.

[@samm-og9yq]

Rocky V, for its flaws was a good story. The movie let’s itself down but It played out the dangers in the boxing industry Mickey warned Rocky about when they got together to train for Apollo in the first film. The scene in V where Rocky recalls Mickey and his last training session is almost verbatim an interview Mike Tyson and his coach Cuss D’mato gave in the 80’s. It’s one of the most touching scenes in the franchise. The Drinkers take on Adrian is spot on as well not just for V but every other movie as well. For these reasons I never wrote the movie off like many people did. Creed III is not a bad movie but, as drinker says, it’s more because of Jonathan majors and how it treats Creeds opponents than MBJ and Tessa being able to carry this along like Stallone and Talia shire did with the Rocky’s

[@JeffreyDeCristofaro]

I can't say I'm surprised that the Creed franchise was headed in this direction, but I'm still cautiously optimistic that maybe the next installment will try a different, inspired approach that even the Rocky sequels couldn't pull off. In this day and age, you gotta have hope.

[@JNo-sk5mz]

Finally some love for Rocky 5. I don't know if it was just because it was playing on loop on cable HBO when I was a kid, but I've always loved the film. It shows the after effects of his battle with Drago, his battered health, him losing his wealth and going back to the hood, the struggle between him and his son, I never minded Tommy Gun, always liked him as a villain, and Adrian was great in the movie.

[@Diyomaro]

There was potentially a good movie there, but they dropped the ball. I feel Creed III is a much better Rocky V. Living on top while an old friend of yours rots in jail with Donny feeling guilt about forgetting about his one friend he had while living in foster care, and dealing with the trauma after he had basically blocked it out of his head is a compelling story.

[@vicvega3614]

@@Diyomaro id rather watch Rocky 5 then most of the horseshit of today

[@TheRexrapper]

That is the only Rocky movie I don't watch. IMO Creed 1 did what Rocky 5 should have done

[@Chadius_Thundercock]

@@vicvega3614 literally only saying that because of nostalgia, most of the stuff today ain’t good but that doesn’t mean there weren’t stinkers back in the day

[@xymos7807]

@@Chadius_Thundercock That's a fair point, but there is a certain charm to mediocre or crappy movies that are decades old.

[@allanlomas5133]

The fact that they did Sly dirty makes my gut wanna hate, but I will watch. It doesn't feel like a torch passed, it feels like a torch taken.

[@penguinguy1551]

The biggest problem I had w the movie is the lack of subplots going anywhere or having much significance. The death of Creed’s mom is done so well and yet it doesn’t feel as though it impacts the story at all, and same with the subplots about Bianca and her music, and their daughter fighting at school.

[@MylesHighClub]

The man, the myth, and the legend, Will Jordan. I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart Drinker. You and the other legendary video essayists ( Dave Cullen, Disparu Little Platoon, etc..) on here KZbin have inspired me to start my own video essays on Video Game Adaptations. My first episode released today. Thank you so much friend.

[@CriticAtBest]

Would love to see a "Rocky and Bobby" film. How did their relationship get so sour after the mothers death? Creed is a fun watch but it is missing something. Would also like to add: Jonathan Majors is an INCREDIBLE ACTOR!

[@jeffreyjones593]

Creed was the best of the series. That last scene when Rocky is ready to throw the towel and Adonis, all battered and beaten, says “No! I gotta prove it! That I’m not a mistake”. That was such an emotional scene for me. Creed 2 was really well done as well and I thought was a beautiful ending to the story. Creed 3’s premise was so uninspiring I haven’t had the desire to even watch it.

[@chrisb7831]

I think the script let down the performances and directing for the most part. There also seems to be a lot that was cut from the movie, I could have used a few more scenes with Dame and a better conclusion to his daughters story. Agreed with the Drinker about the final fight, but the other two were excellent in showing some actual strategy in the matches.

[@bradspitt3896]

Michael b Jordan isn't a great actor either.

[@rightguy200000]

@@bradspitt3896 Hard disargree. He's a very competent actor and he was really good here as well even though Majors stole the show.

[@bradspitt3896]

@@rightguy200000 Oh ok, you're right. My mind is changed.

[@charliechaos2551]

Thanks for giving props to the oft maligned Rocky 5. My wife and I are watching the whole Rocky series with our kids (20 and 15) to show them the "classics". This go around, I find myself ranking Rocky 5 in the number 2 slot after the original. It broke the formula of Rocky 3 and 4, and I actually like the final fight not being in the ring. Rocky 5 brought Rocky full circle back to the beginning and back home.

[@andresdanielem]

Jonathan Majors is a great actor.

[@chasehedges6775]

He deserves better than the MCU

[@Avarn388]

Andrew Espinosa Indeed. It's a shame that Marvel underutilized him because I've seen him in other stuff and he's pretty solid.

[@andresdanielem]

@@chasehedges6775 He deserves to be treated better in the MCU*

[@andresdanielem]

@@Avarn388 True. Hopefully Marvel will use him better in the future.

[@gtvrossa]

What happened to Drago was told in Creed 2. He lost everything after his loss to Rocky with his only hope of any redemption coming via his son. We are getting a Drago movie soon so that'll fill in the rest. As for Lang? No idea lol. I'd love to see something one day based on him. They could go via his life fell apart and he ended up on the streets? His redemption coming by putting something back into the community as a changed man helping train the local kids? Anyways your review of Creed 3 is spot on! One thing that didn't sit with me though was no Rocky at his mum's funeral, that was bs.

[@AlphaQHard]

As to what happened to Ivan Drago after losing to Rocky, it was addressed in the previous film. He told Rocky that after his loss he was shunned by everyone, even his wife; He effectively lost everything from money, family, to opportunities. As to Lang, no clue.

[@starkswolf7864]

Needed more Rocky music. It’s honestly an enormous part of the experience. It would be cool to bring back a long last Balboa grandson and have Creed return the favor.

[@greg_nicholls]

💯 agree

[@VanLupen]

The drinker saying “don’t know” is stuck in my psyche so much lol.

[@chasehedges6775]

I can’t get it out of my head.

[@christopherhughes9787]

Me and my brother use "Nah, it'll be fine!" now.

[@VanLupen]

@@christopherhughes9787 lmaooo nice

[@wwCs49]

Majors crushed it and great directing debut from Jordan. Some pacing issues though. Also hated the turn of making Dame a scumbag to build up to the final fight. Could have made it really interesting by going into a “rocky” final fight not knowing who we wanted to win

[@holty1314]

I still think they should’ve had one more with the Italian stallion, to make it a trilogy

[@krisj827]

Sly decided to leave so..

[@holty1314]

@someuser.I’ve made better looking and tasting pizza

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

​@@krisj827 No, he was complaining that the film will be without Rocky.

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

I mean Stallone was in 8 movies already...

[@chrishardin9774]

@@user-xx6vy9ri8p because the mf literally wrote himself out after creed 2 then waited 5 years to start complaining about it

[@YourMissingEyeBrow]

Walked out the cinema for the first one. Don't remember the second one coming out. Rocky 1-5 only.

[@tedcomet3121]

It helps that the writers of Creed dont have contempt for Rocky

[@NRG-REC]

Michael b Jordan would never let them pull that shit even if they did. He has repeatedly stated that the minute Stallone wanted back in, he'd find a way to fit him back in no matter what. He even made sure he was still credited as a producer on 3 despite having nothing to do with the film. With the success of 3, he has even more weight in Hollywood now. They're not disrespecting Rocky or Stallone as long as he's still there making creed movies.

[@johntabler349]

​@@NRG-REC seems like a respectful Smart young guy, refreshing

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

@@NRG-REC Why is MBJ one of the few guys in Hollywood who actually respects the root of the films he's now doing?

[@robertruiz3131]

​​@@TheStraightestWhitest I watched an interview by the actor playing dame and he said MBJ had him watch Naruto(an anime MBJ likes) "Kakashi VS obito fight" to understand how a fight can have many layers when people have history. Some of the best anime have callbacks and respect to older material. If MBJ is an anime fan he understands the importance of staying on theme.

[@co81385]

I really, really liked this movie, and I thought that it was way better than Creed 2. Something that I liked about it is that I felt as if it told an original story, and not just a refurbishing of one of the previous Rocky or Creed movies. Also, some of the effects during the last fight were excellent!

[@drankFoD]

Same this is definitely my favorite creed movie

[@thedealmama3070]

but it wasn’t an original story it was Rocky V with new faces and lower stakes. I liked the movie but nothing about it was original

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

Creed 2 is the best of the three.

[@dakotatucker2989]

Here’s the full vid: that explains kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uTop14rdxlnac after so long, it’s here.

[@Chadius_Thundercock]

@@thedealmama3070 so? What kind of complaint is that?

[@st4ne4rmthevill63]

I'm not even a big fan of rocky but how dare they make a rocky film without the man himself.

[@michaelmacleod6517]

I wouldn't be sad if Creed 3 was the final film for Adonis. Basically his story is told and they went out on a good note. It even felt like a decent closing of a chapter in some respects. The movie wasn't going to reinvent the wheel but it is what it is: a decent story and a good send off of the characters.

[@Vyviel]

Seeing Rocky again was the only reason I watched these

[@geekrepublic8308]

I surprisingly enjoyed it without Rocky in it. I’m glad it can stand on its own two feet now without relying on Stallone as a crutch. Although it would be nice to see Rocky cameo in a future Creed movies even if it’s just for one scene. Like I felt he should have popped up at least during that ONE big scene and turning point in the movie but other than that I have minimal gripes with this third installment. Nice job on MBJ on directing as well.

[@co81385]

I kind of felt like Creed 2 was a "passing of the torch" from Rocky to Creed as the main character in this franchise, so I was okay with Rocky not having an appearance in this one.

[@dakotatucker2989]

Here’s the full vid: that explains kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uTop14rdxlnac after so long, it’s here.

[@StreetPreacherr]

Though do they really even NEED to be 'Rocky' movies now that the storyline is getting to be a FEW GENERATIONS later? I guess being able to address he 'history' helps give the movies more 'substance'. Though I wonder what kind of percentage the producers need to 'cut' Stallone in on just for access to the 'Rocky Universe'?

[@LebahG4nteng]

I felt like Rocky is done at this point. Adonis can stand on his own without Rocky in his side

[@lalfam3051]

Rocky was lightning in a bottle. He was an underdog. THE underdog. A simple guy who loved doing what he did. He was also surrounded by genuine characters that'd make you feel for them for real. It was magic. Creed movies are just ruining it in my opinion. I honestly hope it won't turn out to be like Star Wars where they just keep milking it until it bleeds and then some.

[@josephsalmonte4995]

The Creed films are decent light entertainment but none of them capture Rocky's magic. They're good but forgettable. I won't be watching Creed in 30 years time.

[@chasehedges6775]

Decent/ok is enough sometimes but you are certainly correct. You can’t top the classics

[@moon12349100]

i loved the boxing fight scenes in cindarella man , to see how he sees and reads the opponent, would love for more boxing movies to go that way, instead of simple punch/cut/punch/cut

[@nogoodhandlesavailable]

I really like the final fight scene where the filmmakers took out the crowd and all sound to show a scene of the two boxers alone in the ring in an empty arena. I have fought in a ring in front of crowds several times, not on that scale, but still; it really feels like there is no one else in the arena at times. It was a good shot. The movie is kinda meh, but that last sequence is good filmmaking, in my opinion

[@Chriso22]

Yeah I honestly liked that as well the part where the crowd littreally disappeared and having the effects and ominous music was very unique and something you didn't see in any of the previous movies.

[@Ffeoli1039]

Yeah. I have no why idea why it's not getting praised. The cinematography and choreography was very fresh for live action. I had goosebumps when they tuned everything out and fought. I haven't seen a fight scene that exciting in a long long time.

[@nogoodhandlesavailable]

​@Ffeoli1039 to hazard a geuss it is because the tension building was great and the scene was set well, but the action choreography was somewhat lackluster. You can't have everything though I suppose.

[@Ffeoli1039]

@@nogoodhandlesavailable I found the action choreography exciting. It wasn't just "one guy punches the other until he is almost beat, but then he starts punching the other guy". In that final fight, we saw feints, set up punches, bobbing and weaving, arm punches, guys against the ropes trying to survive. Haven't seen anything like that before.

[@nogoodhandlesavailable]

​@Ffeoli1039 I think I agree somewhat. The set ups and feints were correct and done well but it was, I don't know a touch slow to be "exciting". The action was correct though and the scene was good.

[@Time_Fire199]

I loved Creed III. Saw it in IMAX day 1 and had a great time. However, the more I think about it, the more I get the feeling that this film needs an extended cut. The barely two-hour run time isn't a bad thing inherently, but there were a few scenes briefly shown in trailers that were nowhere to be found in the final cut (such as Donnie's retirement interview where he thanks Bianca, as well as Rocky and his father Apollo for being the foundation of his own legacy, and a scene where Donnie and his family visit what I assume is his old group home, and a scene where Bianca is comforting a distraught Amara (presumably soon after the argument scene). Those were surprisingly absent in their entirety. I hope an extended cut can effectively work those scenes back in. Also, a longer final fight would be appreciated, it was just a tad jarring that the surreal one-on-one part of the fight (where the crowd disappears) is only five minutes or so yet takes up rounds 3-11. Making it longer would appreciated. But as I said, still a great movie, just feels like there should be more.

[@GrapplingIgnorance]

I loved that they made that creative choice of the surreal scene. It was a unique way to use cinema for clever story-telling beyond just filming two people boxing like we've seen so many times. I was also annoyed that they used it as a way to cut through so many rounds of the fight. It really didn't make sense that those characters were transported into that surreal mode without interuption from multiple rounds. That same technique could have been used to take us into both characters minds, showing us things from their individual perspectives with them being brought back to reality each time by the bell. That would have made SO much more sense. I'd have much rather seen them use runtime for that and trim back a lot of the non-linear story telling used to gradually hint at the predictable backstory between Dame and Adonis. Rather than hinting at it and gradually bringing it up little by little like there was going to be some big reveal, THEN torture us by making us watch Bianca slowly get to the bottom of it, it would have made more sense to to explain their background in one quick scene or a couple lines of dialogue, then do a lot more story-telling in the finale fight.

[@junniorcruz9881]

I liked it it really flipped the script off what we thought about Adonis in the creed movies so far. Up to now Adonis was the one that came up through the struggle, do one who had it tough. He was the kid who no one gave a chance to with a rough upbringing so he was the underdog in a way. But in this movie we see him in a different light. In this movie I was backing up dame all the way. I felt like I wanted him to win bc of his back story and how they represented it. It shun a different light on Adonis made us see him in a different way as the villain or an anti-hero in a way. Even though we know him we say a whole another side of him that really made us question if we really wanted him to win this time. Plus the fact we learned more of his backstop when he was young was great all around I loved the movie made me think for once who I wanted to win, had me question who truly was the villain as there really wasn't no clear cut on like in a super hero movie. In the end, there was none to me just a situation where we couldn't get a perfect ending as one had to lose

[@Martin69315]

Visca Madrid

[@shadowgl9]

Creed wouldn't even be possible without rocky, acting like your self-made but In reality everything came from someone else's work is the vibe creed 3 gives off in waves.

[@AHeroAlmost]

Just out of the cinema after watching this .. Great continuation of the Creed storyline & Rocky Legacy as a whole ..

[@theequalizer9154]

I love Rocky 5. Toward the end, when that boxer, Tommy Gujn, that Rocky trained pushed Rocky's brother-in-law, onto the floor, and Rocky stood up, yeah baby!

[@christianaquino6459]

would have been great to see rocky back but it’s a creed franchise now, I think creed 2 was a great ending for the character

[@owenogletree6374]

WOW! I didn't think there would EVER be a day when "Rocky V" would win a comparison! How times have changed....

[@DRAKKENFIRE22]

Clubber Lang blinked out of existence, but Ivan Drago did not. Creed II covered Ivan Drago, his wife (Ludmila) and his son. Great review as usual. Creed III is going to be a Netflix night. Nearly all future movies are going to be a Netflix night since they are streamed soon after release in the box office.

[@ConnorMcCartney95]

Not everything goes to Netflix nevermind months after release

[@jamesdean3548]

Jordan had to ride the coattails of a legend in order to get recognized.

[@djs5313]

Agree on the anticlimactic final fight. Though overall I would say its a pretty good movie that is definitely a good directorial debut for MBJ

[@85justsomedude]

It's sad how the Rocky franchise had to turn into another black power thing just to keep going. RIP.

[@VolvoImpala]

I'm pleased you compared it to Rocky V because that's getting me interested in that as an alternative. It sounds like this movie is strictly ok but not really good enough to justify excitement of any kind.

[@christopherhughes9787]

That's exactly it. Thoroughly OK and nothing more.

[@CilbraxGaming]

Idk man. I think this movie was great. I'd advocate seeing it and getting your own opinion.

[@VolvoImpala]

@@CilbraxGaming Unlike you, my viewing time is limited. I can only spend so much time watching movies. Maybe if you move out of your mom's basement you'll have the same quandary. LOL. Squirt.

[@Reed-Publications]

Creed 3 was one of the best films in the entire Rocky/Creed franchise.

[@Matkatamiba]

I loved all the anime-stylized fights from Michael B. Jordan. Just fun imagination on how you can change things up, since I've heard he's a fan of that stuff. Overall, liked the movie, minus some forced dialogue to make the plot work.

[@ASDisastersama]

came to see this. MBJ is an anime fan, maybe not hardcore, but he put his craft in what he loved and the end fight felt like that. Imo, the final match is something different and refreshing. Like with Clubber Lang, the MC doesn't have to be knocked down and rise up dramatically to make it interesting, not all fights are won with comebacks. And it was stated that Dame wasn't in his peak, he used what he can to win, so an experienced Creed makes sense to not be loosing during the whole match like the previous films. Dame shouldve gone down more frequent but he had rage within, you can see it in Majors acting during that fight. What I don't believe for a second is that an american kid was a fan of anime enough that had naruto goodies in his bedroom in 2002. Let alone a Creed son with enugh money that couldve spend his time doing LA shit during that era. I believe MBJ is an anime fan, but Adonis clearly wasnt.

[@Ffeoli1039]

​@@ASDisastersama what is your basis on Adonis not being a fan of anime? Early 2000s was when anime really hit it big in America. Tons of kids watched it. Doesn't mean they have to be fans when they grow up.

[@austingrist7467]

I greatly enjoyed this movie. The original Rocky's will always have a place in my cinema heart but I really enjoy these modern takes on Creed's son.

[@michaelclarke9937]

At the end of Creed 2 Rocky said "Its your time now." It was weird to see the movie without Rocky, but the Wheel Of Time keeps on turning. Thought the final fight was cool, but lacked the tension of the earlier movies.

[@Isnogood12]

Please don't mention that trashfire anywhere near this movie!

[@dakotatucker2989]

Here’s the full vid: that explains kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uTop14rdxlnac after so long, it’s here.

[@chrishardin9774]

@deagleninja you might need to see a specialist buddy

[@doctordonutdude]

You know, I have to say- even though I loved the hell out of this movie I mostly agree with the points you made here. I don't think the point of the final fight was either one winning or losing, which admittedly makes the fight very unconventional, but I think that's why it felt how it did rather than the traditional examples you mentioned. I do think the movie deserves more praise for its camera work, though. Some of those shots were absolutely incredible.

[@chucksenhowzen9740]

This series ended perfectly with Rocky Balboa. It’s a shame it kept going on and disrespected Apollo’s legacy with the illegitimate son

[@underbelly3870]

This is where our standards are: "It's at least almost as good as Rocky V" is now considered a compliment.

[@29kallos]

Nice, Thanks Drinker.

[@scorpion-ninja8228]

It wouldve been nice to see Rocky attend the Funeral. Just a nice lil cameo with some quick story update to what Rockys health is like these days. Cancer maybe came back for good? Then that could tie into the next Creed movie and Rocky dies ending his story 100%!

[@DanteTheSimpSlayer]

Rocky is the beatles and creed is todays pop stars. They might sell more or make more due to technological advancements (streaming, cinema, bluray, youtube ads, etc etc), but it will never compare or leave a legacy behind, it will be just another forgotten song after some time.

[@chucksenhowzen9740]

Interesting that Drinker Compared Rocky V to Creed 3. Definitely not my favorite Rocky film…but I do get how you feel much more for Sly than Adonis Rocky loses so much while Adonis keeps winning, & that’s the big difference between the two

[@arcanewarrior863]

I think honestly, this film didn't live up to the rest of the Rocky films, probably due to a lack of Stallone's involvement. As you said, arcs weren't really tied up here. Creed seems to be at a high point, sorta like Rocky at the beginning of 3 or 4. The problem is it doesn't deal with Rocky's complacency at the beginning of 3 or loss of a friend in 4. His arc comes from the guilt of his backstory, how he feels tormented by the past. I feel this part of his story is kinda shoehorned into his origin story, the fact that he never mentioned this lost friend once to anybody. It also just seems uncharacteristic of him to never check up on Dame and just abandon him like that, it makes Creed seem like a serious dick, and at some points of the film, I actually sympathised more with Dame's anger. The worst thing is Creed doesn't really face any consequences for this, apart from Dame talking some smack about him. He just trains, fights him, and wins, and everything's good. You don't usually deal with your guilt by beating the shit out of the guy who you abandoned. Also, this isn't a very motivational movie compared to the rest in the franchise. In the first film Creed has to work hard to prove he's not a mistake, and the memory of his father jogs him back up and tells him to fight, in the second, he loses to Drago first time, and needs to train to get his strength back and find his feet again, similar to Rocky 3. But here? He trains Chavez, Chavez gets KOd by Dame, and then has to train to fight Dame. Apart from the guilt he has, there's very little he's fighting internally. Like Rocky 3 they could have had that same internal struggle, and then have Creed need Bianca's help to get his confidence back. But all that growth is done in like 5 min Montage The final fight is great cinematography wise, clearly very expensive, and draws on MBJ s love of anime, but besides that, there's very little drama there. Creed gets up after getting knocked down? He's done that the last two movies, it's not really that special anymore. I feel this fight was way too clean, lacked the realistic scrappiness of the rest. Also very low stakes, most of us knew Adonis was gonna win. When the protagonist loses, its to prove that their victory doesn't matter, what matters is they went the distance, so it's still a happy ending. Clearly Adonis wasn't trying to accomplish that, so he was going to win. I would have liked to see him lose, and have a sad ending, his confidence is knocked, Dame won, and Creed never feels any sort of resolution for his guilt,and this drives him to depression, maybe Bianca leaves him because of this eventually, and the next film is about picking himself back up, maybe with the help of Rocky (Stallone says he's open to playing the role again). That's something that's never been done in the franchise, giving a movie a sad ending

[@ZAKKANWAKKAR]

It ain't about how hard you sequel, it's about how hard you can get sequel-ed and still keep moving forward. 🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊

[@SeregPie]

At least is Creed an original character and not a race-swapped Rocky in a remake.

[@TheEffectOfMass]

Saw it last weekend, I thought it was great. Possibly the best Creed film. I liked Jonathan Majors' "Dame" character, they really fleshed him out. That said, I was kind of hoping Rocky was going to pop in and deliver some uplifting speech as he does. I'd like to see him one last time in a 4th film, but i think MBJ has this thing on lock down.

[@darkgate33]

Yes finally someone says it. I’ve never heard anyone brought that point. Rocky is the heart and soul of this franchise. I miss the vulnerability the emotional touch he brings. While Michael B Jordan did a fantastic job as a director, the writing has its issue

[@geert574]

I didnt really needed to see more creed after 1, Jordan and fugly Thompson pretending to have chemistry was physically more painful than all the boxing 😆

[@pedrovargas2181]

You excise the racist rainbow idiot, first flick is a masterpiece and the second worth watching.

[@mortalfilms313]

Moments in the movie I couldn’t help but think Rocky should be here. I got hyped hearing J Cole on the soundtrack playing.Mary Anne Creed I thought did a great job. Good film but this might be the last Creed film.

[@wrestlerdude6955]

I would argue that Adonis has the way paved for him because of Rocky and everyone else who was there in his life. I didn't watch Rocky 5, though if this Tommy guy was like that, then Adonis is the student who did listen to the mentor and because of that has a good future ahead of him.

[@LionheartNh]

I like Rocky 5..it's been a long time getting some recognition and nice to see it.

[@SkyBlew]

Pretty accurate! I honestly thought it was good, just felt a little rushed. Could of been longer.. I hope they add more in the director's cut. I definitely agree, it was missing the extra heart & soul that Rocky brings to the franchise. But I get it, because they want to build up Adonis, as he cements his own legacy. *The fight in this movie was more like metaphorical/internal battles..* I thought Michael B Jordan did a great job for his first directed movie as well! He tried some cool things out, especially the 1st fight, which showed him slowing down time and focusing, that was really cool. Also the final fight did feel like it was missing something, but how they were incorporating the prison bars etc, I thought that was dope. But I do agree, it wasn't as impactful on the surface level as the other fights from previous movies. Regardless, it was a pretty good movie, and I wanna see where they go from here. Because Michael B. Jordan says there will be Creed 4 and wants to *EXPAND* the Creed universe, with spin-off movies. *They confirmed Drago spin-off already!* 😎🤙🏾

[@gpcbr1000]

I think a storyline where creed trains Drago, And Drago actually becomes a likable character/good guy. Those two big friends like Rocky and Apollo could spin off a whole Nother trilogy

[@Ryan-el5cq]

Saw Creed III and tbh, I think this was my favorite of the creed movies or at least on par with the first one. I like the directing and cinematography and some of the visual storytelling they use in some of the fights. The performances were great and I think this was the first time I cared about Adonis Creed as a character. I always rooted for him in the others but I never got that personal connection with him like I did with Rocky, until I saw this one. While I do think the story, on paper, is formulaic, the execution makes up for it In my opinion. It’s so far the best film I’ve seen this year next to M3GAN and made up for all the disappointing sludge we saw in February.

[@Ryan-el5cq]

@deagleninja gotcha

[@xancypillosi9497]

Megan lol. Ur points are mute

[@Ryan-el5cq]

@@xancypillosi9497 lemme guess, you liked Quantumania?

[@LebahG4nteng]

That third act boxing scene was insanely cool. Love how it cuts to a prison and empty stadium illusion, haven't seen that kind of filmmaking in the Rocky franchise but this absolutely works Also Try watch "Missing" highly recommend it, who knows it might be another of your favourite movie of the year

[@Ryan-el5cq]

@@LebahG4nteng I watched missing, thought it was just ok, the 3rd act really tanked it for me

[@a_loyal_kiwi88]

The key difference between rocky and Adonis that turns me off, is that fact Rocky came from nothing, to become who he did. Adonis was born with the idea that he was connected to his fathers fate in some way, and wanted to replicate who his father was, and even go beyond who his father. He was tied to the idea and life of boxing out of the gate. Like a bastard prince who despite growing up in poverty, knows it's his right to take the throne one day. Whereas Rocky had no connection or ideas about fate at all, there was no one he wanted to get out of the shadow of, no inspiration for him to compare himself to. He was born an peasant with no hope of going anywhere in life, knowing he isn't smart enough to hold down any jobs aside from muscle work, yet he makes it anyway. Rocky was alone giving it all he had and because of that he was special, he shouldn't have made it, but he did because he didn't give up. And as someone who grew up poor, that's the kind of example that gives people hope beyond words.

[@javierlopez9789]

Not only that, Rocky also did boxing because even though he obviously liked it he had no other choice, it was either that or nothing, Adonis might have had a dificult childhood but when Apolo's wife adopted him he grew up with privileges, education and even had a well payed and established job, he boxed because he wanted not because he also needed it, he also completely lacks Rocky's humbleness and unlike him, believes people owe him something.

[@castieldiallo2945]

He does not need to make a 4th in the series.

[@fluffy_knight]

The best thing about the Movie is when a bunch of gangsters gather together to see Creed's arguement with his brother. Any other Hollywood Hero of today would simply start a fight without any hope to win, not Creed. He swallowed his pride and walked away.

[@JohnstonJack3318]

I need this to be good. My faith in Hollywood is hanging by a thread.

[@jacktheripper4323]

You still have some faith

[@dyslexicstoner2408]

It's very good, surprisingly

[@stratrovarius]

Once again i completely agree....and i still love Rocky V.

[@Reykh24]

Even if you didn't like the movie (unlikely) you've gotta respect the effort. MBJ with directing acting and the absolute beast physique he has and jon majors also with his amazing performance and bulked up god he looked like. Great movie.

[@thegreenman2030]

Sadly I will probably never see this because they screwed Stallone out of the legacy he created.

[@BoxyTheSpaceDog]

really brings nothing new,already seen before,so underwhelming

[@Black_Revue]

Creed 3: Beating Box Office Cheeks!