I really liked the first two Creed films. They were not perfect, but they were very good. And at the heart of those films, was the relationship between Rocky Balboa and Adonis (Johnson) Creed. Like it or not, that's just the way it is. All of the other parts of those first two movies were good. But it was Rocky and Adonis' relationship that held everything together. Take either one of them out of the equation, and the substance is gone. It is not believable that Rocky wouldn't be there for some of the moments in this installment...some of what would have been most certainly a few of the most important events in Adonis' life. His rematch, and swan song fight against Conlan, the death of Mary Ann, and his monumental match against Damian. As far as the audience is concerned, we don't even witness, at the very least, a phone call between the former mentor and protege. In addition to all of that, there are parts of C3 that just didn't make sense. No one has ever heard of Damian before. As an audience, he has had no part in Adonis' life until we see their story here. And I don't care if this is Hollywoodland or not...no way does someone in their mid-thirties, who has been in prison for a decade and a half, and who has never fought a professional fight...no way does that man get a fight for the heavyweight championship of the world (it was considered a minor miracle when Leon Spinks upset Muhammad Ali, winning the heavyweight title in only his 8th professional fight). Even Balboa's miracle shot at the title given to him by Apollo in the first Rocky film came when Rocky had a professional record of 44-21 (or something like that). Much of what was supposed to be dramatic just came across as manufactured melo-drama. Finally, there were also some questionable moviemaking decisions (including editing issues) which led to a pacing problem. I have a feeling that some of the issues in this film were the result of a first time director who just couldn't sharpen up the rougher edges of the movie. I think inexperience in directing, while also trying to star in the film at the same time, was just a bit too much for first time director, Jordan. He certainly is talented, and I'm sure he'll learn from this experience. And I want be clear here, there were some positives in C3, like the acting and some of the cinematography. However, in my opinion, the negatives outweighed the positives, and it's not even close.
This is in response to truppier, or something like that. I would like to say that if he liked the film then good for him. Those of us who didn't then good for us. If this movie wanted to make any sense at all, then, at the very least, it should have had a cameo with Stallone, or a phone call or something. Adonis had too many important moments that the idea Rocky wouldn't have made contact is a bit unbelievable and ridiculous. And I know Stallone wasn't in it for creative differences, but it doesn't change the fact that his absence hurts the credibility of the film. If that's being "salty" then oh well.
This is in response to truppier, or something like that. I would like to say that if he liked the film then good for him. Those of us who didn't then good for us. If this movie wanted to make any sense at all, then, at the very least, it should have had a cameo with Stallone, or a phone call or something. Adonis had too many important moments that the idea Rocky wouldn't have made contact is a bit unbelievable and ridiculous. And I know Stallone wasn't in it for creative differences, but it doesn't change the fact that his absence hurts the credibility of the film. If that's being "salty" then oh well.