Creed III: Movie Review

^{On March 3rd Creed III was released. Michael B. Jordan both starred as Adonis Creed and directed the film. Jonathan Majors played Damian Anderson Creed’s primary opponent and childhood best friend. A Gazette survey of 100 students indicated that 72% of Langston University students are interested in watching Creed III in theaters.} 

^{Despite receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from most critics, one criticism of the film that some critics hold is that Creed movies follow a repetitive “Rocky formula,” meaning they use the pattern of introducing a new problem for the main character to overcome and ultimately “fight” through. Even though this pattern is evident within all Rocky movies as well as the Creed trilogy, Markel Williams, the head strength and conditioning coach at Langston University, believes this is why he enjoys the movies so much.}  

^{“Something all of the Creed movies have in common is that there’s always obstacles to overcome mentally and physically,” Williams said.} 

^{Coach Williams has conducted boxing workouts with the Langston University softball team as well as other student athletes and believes that motivational sports movies like Creed III can be positively influential.}  

^{“Movies can remind you that there is a way you haven’t tried yet, and give you the motivation you need to get it done,” Williams said.}  

^{One of the primary reasons he enjoys both participating in and leading rigorous boxing workouts is to build mental toughness.}  

^{“It can give you confidence so when you do hit a brick wall you can hit it back,” Williams said.} 

^{As a player on the Langston University softball team who has participated in some of these boxing workouts I found that not only was the experience mentally strengthening and therapeutic, I was also able to push myself physically. Coach Williams expressed that watching athletes who are excited to learn proper boxing techniques is what is most fulfilling to him as a coach during these types of workouts. “When they learn the skill, and they start throwing punches and understanding the science behind boxing, that’s the fun part,” Williams said.} 

^{Creed III built upon the legacy of the first two movies to offer a cohesive yet unique watching experience. This movie differs from Creed and Creed II because of the cinematic creativity and symbolism coupled with crystal clear camera work. The filming style of this movie, especially during fight scenes, was incredibly sharp and focused. The cinematic creativity and visual effects that warped time added to the intensity of the fights and placed emphasis on the deeper meaning within the film.} 

^{In many ways Creed III demonstrated a lot of the same characteristics as the previous movies but dove deep into themes like family, being an underdog, overcoming childhood trauma and toxic masculinity as well as facing injuries. Creed III offered a wide range of family dynamics. In the film Creed shows a softer side through embracing a heartwarming role as an involved father to his young daughter. He navigates vulnerability in his marriage, experiences a feud that threatens the sense of brotherhood he has with his best friend and grows closer to his mother amidst her ongoing health problems.} 

^{An impactful aspect of the film is the awareness it brings to toxic masculinity through showing Creed’s journey to heal from childhood trauma by opening up to his wife about how he is struggling mentally. This kind of vulnerability and healthy character development is refreshing to witness in a character that represents strength for a lot of viewers. Rather than masking his emotions and channeling them into aggression, Creed is able to break out of his comfort zone in order to further his healing process and strengthen his relationships.} 

^{Another noteworthy part of the film is the scene where Creed officially comes out of retirement and his coaches are analyzing his numerous injuries. For many athletes who are nearing the end of their careers, including myself, it is relatable to have these tough conversations about how to move forward and strengthen areas of the body that have taken a beating over many years of competing.} 

^{Along with Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, the cast features Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Spence Moore II. Unlike the other movies in the Creed trilogy Sylvester Stallone did not co-write the screenplay for Creed III. Instead, the screenplay was written by Keenan Coogler, the brother of Ryan Coogler who directed the first Creed movie, and Zach Baylin. Since its debut, Creed III has received a large amount of positive reactions. On Rotten Tomatoes Creed III has earned an 88% from critics on the tomatometer as well as a 96% audience score.} 

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The Gazette serves as the student voice of Langston University. It is produced within the Department of Communication as a teaching tool and local news source for the campus community. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles and do not necessarily represent the views of Langston University.