Very few film franchises are saved from becoming repetitive at some point in their existence, since returning to familiar elements for the audience is effective, especially if you don’t want to lose their loyalty. Granted, there are times when these elements are handled so well that the movie theater experience becomes at least dynamic enough to keep those on the other side of the screen expectant, but there’s no denying it. that everything is familiar. That’s exactly what happens with the movie. believe 3, which takes up the narrative of the character of Adonis with the aim of separating it from what was built by Sylvester Stallone with Rocky Balboa. However, that is not achieved.
believe 3 is the directorial debut of the trilogy’s protagonist, Michael B. Jordan. And although the actor comes out ahead when it comes to impressing the current concerns of society on the whole, it is also true that, deep down, the discourse for which everything is opted towards the end feels outdated in many ways.
This new chapter in the “Donnie” story, surprisingly, doesn’t focus as much on boxing. During a good part of the footage, an attempt is made to direct everything towards the grounds of the complaint. They talk about the injustices that, countless times, people who do not have a home experience. It is impossible to live the “American dream” when the system prevents it. However, other questions are also being asked: To what extent can an act that appears to be self-defense be considered a crime? Is imprisonment always justified?
The director and writers Keenan Coogler (Ryan’s brother, who commanded the first part) and Zach Baylin (King Richard: A Winning Family), pour all of these themes into the character of Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson (Jonathan Majors), an old friend of Adonis who, after spending 18 years behind bars, returns to ask the reigning heavyweight champion for a shot at the title. title, and at the same time to turn his life upside down.
The first half of the movie believe 3 It is a great exercise in exploring what resentment towards an environment that has denied them any opportunity to excel can cause in a person. But soon, the promise is diluted and the spirit of protest fades to make way for a different film: the classic battle of good against evil, without more.
From one moment to the next, everything becomes a recycling of rocky 5 (1990), in which the “Italian Stallion” trains the relentless Tommy Gunn, who little by little inserts himself into the life of the champion until he becomes an ominous figure who snatches away everything that is important.
Or, suddenly, we are seeing Rockie 3 (1982), in which the star is considering retiring, but loses his belt and, to get it back, he has to fight against Clubber Lang, an unknown man who, with luxury of violence, ruins his life.
With this, the very interesting character study headed by Majors is left aside. And at times, thanks to certain decisions that seem out of place, Damian becomes a cartoon villain, who only seeks power and revenge. It’s the acting that keeps us hooked, but the motivations lose their way.
The rest of the performances, for example Tessa Thompson and Mila Davis-Kent, are pretty solid and also help keep the show grounded. Thompson, with her character as Bianca, portrays someone who, in the midst of success and fame, tries to find a purpose in what she does, and the idea that sooner or later we all find refuge in the wrong places is hopeful. expected.
For his part, Davis-Kent, who gives life to the Creed’s daughter, Amara, is a revelation. Every scene in which she appears and interacts with those around her is an utter parade of joy and joy.
Coupled with this, there is the other strong point of the film: the exceptional fight scenes, in which, with verve, Jordan frames in a disjointed —but effective— combinations of blows that, without 3D, it seems that at some point they will come out of the picture. the screen, and in which Damian’s fighting technique is quite a visual delight. Seeing them in IMAX format is an amazing experience, but not totally necessary.
believe 3 It is far from what its predecessors did and, although the dedication of Michael B. Jordan to bring it to life is notorious, the weight of nostalgia is greater. In the end, it’s like a long flashback to when the saga was emerging. Like a trip to the past disguised as a new beginning. It’s enjoyable, yes, but it can’t help but fall into commonplaces.
Jose Roberto Landaverde Movie buff and music lover. I am fascinated by writing, listening, reading and commenting on everything related to the seventh art. I’m a fan of Rocky and Back to the Future and obviously one day I’ll climb the “Philly Steps” and drive a DeLorean. Faithful believer that cinema is the best teleportation machine, and also that on the big screen we can all see ourselves represented. I constantly, like Scott Pilgrim, ask myself: “Does bread make you fat?”