Michael B. Jordan

Early reviews for Creed III praise Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut, anime-inspired boxing sequences and Jonathan Majors' supporting performance.

Time will tell exactly how audiences will react to the movie as Creed III releases exclusively in theaters on March 3. set up in the previous two films while upping the stakes with Jonathan Majors as the movie's primary antagonist and visceral boxing sequences. While some entries in the Rocky franchise weren't as well received as its best installments, it seems that Creed III is a satisfying enough sequel to the Creed franchise. Morgenthau and Jordan make the creative decision to shoot Damian and Donnie’s climactic fight in a way unlike we’ve seen in the previous “Creed” films that amps up the story’s emotional stakes. It’s the best testament to Jordan’s directing skill (the way he imagines that final bout will likely divide some audiences, but this is clearly a man with a vision), and the genius in pitting Jordan against Majors. Only in the film’s final half-hour, which (unsurprisingly) sets the pair on a path to duke it out in the ring, do they — and this film — really spring to life. He’s not as flashy a filmmaker as Ryan Coogler; Creed III’s boxing matches are never quite as visceral or as intricately shot and choreographed as the ones in the first Creed. The film follows Adonis "Donnie" Creed (Jordan), having to face his childhood friend Damien "Dame" Anderson (Jonathan Majors) in the boxing ring. Creed III lives up to the hype and then some, it takes the signature ingredients of Rocky to make something totally captivating and one-of-a-kind. Jordan makes his directorial debut with “Creed III” and it turns out he’s an excellent filmmaker, pulling great performances out of his co-stars — and himself — while capturing the series’ iconic fights with strategic clarity. Cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau returns from “Creed II” and casts the film in striking angles and dense shadows, popping out bright and eye-catching colors with the pageantry of the sport kicks in. Still, his commitment to the physicality of the role and mental toughness of his character is impressive.

Anna Najar, also known as the “Mitt Queen,” has made a name for herself as a trailblazer in boxing circles and is now headed to the big screen in Creed III.

Those big creative swings start in the ring, with realistic and well-executed fight scenes that have continued to capture movie-goers for nearly the past 50 years. The daughter of parents born in Iraq, Najjar describes herself as a “Middle Eastern woman in a male-dominated field” who's here to “change the game” and serve as an inspiration to other women. This leaves Jordan, who much like his character, is facing some of the highest stakes in his career. It also marks Jordan’s directorial debut, taking the reins from the two-time Oscar nominated director Ryan Coogler, who -- along with Stalone -- is staying on as a producer. Jordan who is reprising his role as the titular character, Adonis Creed. Najjar has risen through the boxing ranks over the past decade and earned herself the nickname “Mitt Queen.” She’s now taking her talents to the big screen in the upcoming movie Creed III.

Initial Reactions for 'Creed III' Call the Film a Masterful Directorial Debut for Michael B. Jordan: It seems like Jordan has "delivered a K.O."

I wanted even more of Jonathan Majors, who OWNS the screen-time he gets… Jordan excels behind the camera, directing one of most expertly-crafted fight sequences ever. Great directorial debut by Michael B Jordan, coupled by amazing performances by both Thompson and the scene stealer Jonathan Majors. [#JonathanMajors]gives a great perfomance, but the MVP goes to Mila Davis-Kent, she’s adorable & brings a lot of heart to the film! Jonathan Majors is sweeping the competition this spring at theaters. [February 10, 2023] [#Creed3]’s EVERYTHING you could want from the finale to the CREED trilogy, Jonathan Majors proves to be a ferocious foil for Michael B. You FEEL those punches during the fight scenes. His performance though ranks among his best & the IMAX-shot boxing scenes are distinctively awesome. [February 10, 2023] Especially dug exploring this particular stage of Adonis’ career/life. Many game him the two thumbs up for his ability to tell the story as both a director and an actor. Jordan](https://hypebeast.com/tags/michael-b-jordan) are quite positive.

The verdicts on Creed 3 are in – and the reviews have been pretty glowing for Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut. The third movie in the trilogy picks up ...

And while the basic idea that fuels the central battle of the film is thrilling enough — who would want to go up against Jonathan Majors, let alone a Jonathan Majors driven by righteous anger? Adonis wears snow-white satin to their climactic face-off, and Dame is in all black, a clarity of messaging which generally suffuses the rest of the movie; shades of gray do not apply. And this story is very much Donnie’s, as his latest opponent gives him plenty to tussle with inside and outside the ring (drawing poignancy from his own background, rather than Rocky’s). "While the film might occasionally miss Philadelphia pugilist Rocky’s punchy philosophical idioms, it’s a credit to Jordan as director/star that Rocky’s absence isn’t too keenly felt; his Creed 2 fist-bump sign-off ("It’s your time") having legitimized his exit in story terms. The third movie in the trilogy picks up with Adonis Creed (Jordan) as his personal and family life are thriving. However, things get more complicated with the arrival of his childhood friend Damian (Jonathan Majors), fresh off a stint in prison and eager to prove his boxing prowess.

The first reactions and reviews for the new movie Creed 3 are in and everyone can't get enough of Michael B Jordan's latest outing.

Or you can read our [Ant-Man 3 review](https://www.thedigitalfix.com/marvel-cinematic-universe/ant-man-3-review). Jordan’s [new movie](https://www.thedigitalfix.com/new-movies) – with some dubbing the upcoming [sports movie](https://www.thedigitalfix.com/best-sports-movies) as “immensely satisfying.” [Creed 3](https://www.thedigitalfix.com/rocky-series/Creed-3-release-date) has survived the first round against critics in the ring. Still, the latest film also shows the athlete having to face off against a new rival in the ring – his childhood friend Damian “Dame” Anderson (Jonathan Majors). Fans will be able to make judgements themselves once Creed 3 hits the big screen on March 3, 2023. [drama movie](https://www.thedigitalfix.com/best-drama-movies) with the boxer Adonis “Donnie” Creed (Jordan) front and centre.

Creed III is an upcoming sports drama directed by Michael B Jordan and also starring him alongside Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson.

But Creed III takes the literal and existential titles that once defined Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa and gives them to Adonis as a way of signifying that this really is his story now and his alone to carry into the future. If “Creed III” turns out to be the last “Creed” movie, it will prove to be a satisfying finale. [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/23/23601435/creed-3-review-michael-b-jordan-rocky): With Stallone’s Rocky absent from its story, Creed III feels like a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history meant to underscore how much it’s evolved over the course of almost 50 years. [Collider](https://collider.com/creed-3-review/): Creed III honors the past while looking forward to the future, and gives Jordan—both the actor and the director—the spotlight in a way that shows his immense talents. Adonis might be avoiding the past in Creed III, but Jordan is learning from what has been done before and bringing this series into an entirely new generation, evolving this world in a way that makes it feel entirely new again. With Michael B Jordan making his directorial debut, critics are loving Creed III with many saying that it breathes new life into the franchise.