Okay, I get it. Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III” is supposed to be highly entertaining. I’ve already gotten around a half dozen email reactions this year about how great it is.
Of all the big movies coming out next Spring, not many of our readers would have put “Creed III” as one of their most anticipated titles. Maybe we should start tracking this one because the buzz is there for Jordan’s directorial debut.
I've spoken to enough people who attended a recent test-screening for “Creed III” and they’re all raving about it. They also believe that it is the best film of the trilogy, yes, better than even Ryan Coogler’s very well-shot 2015 film.
The film also has a lot of four and five star ratings on Letterboxd. I would imagine that if you’re not a fan of the “Rocky” or, at the very least, “Creed” series then you probably won’t be a fan of this third instalment. “Creed II” was actually decently received, but did feel like a step back for the franchise.
A major highlight in “Creed III,” that most people are pinpointing, is Jonathan Major’s performance as Adonis’ nemesis, Damian Anderson — he steals the show. Damian was Adonis' best friend when they were living in a group home, now he’s out of prison and ready to take on his former compadre.
A fan of the “Rocky” films, who has seen “Creed III,” tells me Damian is the best villain of the entire franchise. To the point where, at the recent test-screening he attends, which I hear had electric atmosphere in the audience, some of the attendees could be heard rooting, hollering, for Damian to win.
Majors is coming off his incredible performance in this year’s Sundance-premiered “Magazine Dreams,” which still doesn’t have a distributor. I can see why. It’s basically “Taxi Driver” set in the bodybuilding world. I really believe, with the right studio push, that he can get nominated for next year’s Oscars.
Regardless, it looks as though Warner Bros. might have a major hit in their hands. “Creed III” gets released on March 3rd, 2023. A trailer was released earlier this week.