Entertainment

Review: Michael B. Jordan delivers a brawler in ‘Creed III’

Published

4 years ago

March 4, 2023

It must be a daunting prospect to pick up a franchise on the third movie. Add in the pressure of following filmmakers like Ryan Coogler and Steven Caple Jr. in your directorial debut that you’re also starring in and it’s enough to make you wonder what on earth Michael B. Jordan was thinking.

But “ Creed III,” in theaters nationwide Friday, is a new start for Adonis Creed. He’s finally out of the shadow of his father Apollo and Rocky Balboa, whose legacy loomed large over the first two films (Sylvester Stallone decided “Creed II” would be his last). With Rocky out of the way, and the younger Creed solidly in place as the best in the world, the franchise can breathe a little and grow.

Enter the Dame (not that kind of dame).

This one is in the form of Jonathan Majors, an old buddy from their teenage years in a group home in the early 2000s. Dame, or Damian Anderson, is a bit older than Creed. He’s the one who’s boxing in the underground matches at night. The young Creed (Thaddeus J. Mixon), a little awkward, a little too eager to please and a little too ready for trouble, is the one carrying water (and bags and gloves) and helping him strategize. There is a palpable menace established early on with these two — an unequal power and age dynamic, sure, but also the implication that Dame (Spence Moore II) is more than willing to play dirty. He carries a gun. He fixes games. And he has a hold on young Adonis. The flashback ends with a violent altercation outside a convenience store. Dame goes away. Creed becomes Creed.

This flashback is important but does get the film off to a bit of a slow start, jumping forward chronologically to Creed’s last fight and then to his present-day retirement life — a luxurious and tranquil existence in the Hollywood Hills in a modernist mansion with his daughter Amara (Mila Davis Kent) and wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson), who has given up singing mostly to produce hit records. Life is nice for the obscenely rich in LA: The clothes are expensive, the cars are price upon request, the house always spotless and the staff unseen (save for a chef in one scene). At the gym run by Duke (Wood Harris), he’s trying to mentor the next generation of champions.

Then Dame re-appears and the movies gets its urgency back. His old pal was locked up for 18 years after that incident and is freshly out of prison, wanting to pick up his life and his boxing aspirations where he left off. Creed is pleasant but guarded — for much of the film he acts like an aloof celebrity, hyper conscious of not letting anyone in too close and compartmentalizing the uglier aspects of his past. Still, he takes him out to lunch and offers to help him in any way he can. This is both the right thing to do and also a huge mistake.

“Creed III” is, among other things, about what happens when men don’t talk about their feelings (and ignore Duke’s advice).

At times, it also feels more like a thriller than a sports film as you watch Dame infiltrate Creed’s world. It’s always Creed’s idea, there’s always an invitation, but Dame’s sudden omnipresence starts to feel unavoidable and ominous. Dame has a bit of Eve Harrington in him, but also a very real, very relatable chip on his shoulder for the time he lost. In another movie, he could very well be the underdog we’re rooting for — some of the audience may be rooting for him even so.

Lurking behind everything is the madness that comes from not being able to do what you were born to do. It’s something athletes grapple with earlier than most other professionals. An injury at 23 could take you out when you’re just getting started and in this film Creed, Dame and Bianca are having similar existential crises — though Dame’s desperation is the driving force behind everything that happens.

Jordan and his filmmaking team craft two particularly stunning matches full of suspense, drama and slow motion sweat beads flying through the air. These are only lessened by the cheesy, unhelpful announcers spouting cliches and no actually helpful exposition or explanation outside the ring. And ultimately, it’s a promising debut for the 36-year-old, who shows here that he’ll never let his own star ego get in the way of a film: Majors steals the show, and Jordan is there to capture it.

There’s a comforting but predictable rhythm to a boxing franchise like Rocky and now Creed. The movies must keep justifying themselves, inventing new challenges that make them all feel different enough. But most essentially boil down to the same framework: You have to knock the champion down to a believable underdog again. While there is a case to be made for the final fight to, let’s just say, go a different way than it does, “Creed III” is still a knockout.

“Creed III,” an MGM release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for, “Violence, some strong language and intense sports action.” Running Time: 116 minutes. Three stars out of four. —- MPA Definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Entertainment

Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2027 Lineup Featuring Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special and more

Published

59 minutes ago

November 13, 2026

FNN NEWS

The March 4–14 festival in Plant City will feature country, rock, pop and faith-based performers, with advance admission and concert tickets available beginning Dec. 10.

PLANT CITY, Fla. (FNN) — Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special, Styx and Train are among the performers announced for the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival, which runs March 4–14 in Plant City.

The Wish Farms Soundstage lineup brings together established favorites and emerging performers across country, rock, pop, R&B and faith-based music. Other scheduled acts include The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson and Jamey Johnson.

“A Timeless Tradition”

The festival’s 2027 theme, “A Timeless Tradition,” celebrates its connection to generations of families and visitors.

Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said the entertainment schedule reflects that connection while offering a variety of musical styles.

“From longtime favorites to some of today’s most exciting artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” Robinson said in the announcement.

Country fans can catch Lorrie Morgan, Max McNown and Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore. The Roots & Boots show will feature Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin.

Rock performances include Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad. Micky Dolenz will present “60 Years of The Monkees,” while Josiah Queen and

Maverick City are also scheduled.

Complete announced headline concert schedule

All dates are in 2027, with times local to Plant City.

Date	Time	Performer
Thursday, March 4	3:30 p.m.	The Oak Ridge Boys
Thursday, March 4	7:30 p.m.	Styx
Friday, March 5	3:30 p.m.	Tommy James & The Shondells
Friday, March 5	7:30 p.m.	Josiah Queen
Saturday, March 6	3:30 p.m.	Shaboozey
Saturday, March 6	7:30 p.m.	Max McNown
Sunday, March 7	6:30 p.m.	Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore
Monday, March 8	3:30 p.m.	Tanya Tucker
Monday, March 8	7:30 p.m.	Maverick City
Tuesday, March 9	3:30 p.m.	Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin
Tuesday, March 9	7:30 p.m.	Travis Tritt
Wednesday, March 10	3:30 p.m.	Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of The Monkees
Wednesday, March 10	7:30 p.m.	38 Special
Thursday, March 11	3:30 p.m.	Grand Funk Railroad
Thursday, March 11	7:30 p.m.	Charlie Wilson
Friday, March 12	3:30 p.m.	Lorrie Morgan
Friday, March 12	7:30 p.m.	Becky G
Saturday, March 13	7:30 p.m.	Jamey Johnson
Sunday, March 14	7:30 p.m.	Train

Schedule provided in the festival announcement supplied to FNN.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 10

Advance tickets for festival gate admission and headline concerts go on sale Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern time.

Tickets will be available through:

In person: Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.
Online: flstrawberryfestival.com.
Mobile: The Florida Strawberry Festival app.
Phone: 813-754-1996.

Concert tickets do not include festival gate admission. Guests must also purchase admission to enter the festival. The festival’s official entertainment page confirms the Dec. 10 concert-ticket launch. Florida Strawberry Festival

What’s next?

Fans can review the concert schedule and plan their purchases ahead of the ticket launch. Visit the festival’s official website for current event information and ticket availability.

Stay connected to Florida National News for music, concert and entertainment coverage across Florida.

Entertainment

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

Published

3 weeks ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

Entertainment

Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

Published

2 months ago

September 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.

Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.