On Friday, Creed III drops. It’s the third film in the franchise starring Michael B. Jordan, and this time he’s behind the camera as well. Jordan has had a wide-ranging career, including iconic TV roles on The Wire and Friday Night Lights to three different superhero film roles. As we prepare to see him again as Creed, this week I’m looking at five classic Jordan films for those that want to dive deeper into his filmography.
Fruitvale Stations (2013)
About: One of Jordan’s first big early films, this biopic is based on the tragic true story. In it, Jordan plays Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident. On New Year’s Eve he’s seeing friends until an incident at Fruitvale Station ends his life. It’s a tragic and important story, one sadly we’ve seen play out all too often in the decades since its release. Jordan gives a powerful performance in the film.
Black Panther (2018)
About: In the first stand-alone film for the hero, Jordan plays the primary antagonist Killmonger. It was his third different bite at the Superhero apple after Chronicle and Fantastic Four, and he gives an incredible performance. He was so good and popular in the role we’ve seen him reprise it on the big and small screen in the years since. His back-and-forth with Chadwick Boseman is great.
Just Mercy (2019)
About: Not enough people saw this film. I love the book from Bryan Stevenson, which shares his life’s work fighting for those unfairly punished and incarcerated. Jordan is great in the lead role and the film is powerful and emotional, just like the book upon which it’s based.
Without Remorse (2021)
About: Jordan takes the lead in this film based on characters from Tom Clancy’s work. It has a connection to the Jack Ryan universe, so we can hope to maybe see him later. But as a stand-alone film, this works well and is very engaging. Jordan is great in the lead role, a fierce warrior in a solid action film.
A Journal For Jordan (2021)
About: Do we know where this is going before it starts? Sure. Are we emotionally prepared when we get there. I sure wasn’t. This comes from Denzel Washington and is based on the true story of Charles Monroe King, which is who Jordan plays. I enjoyed the film for what it is and was taken with his strong lead performance.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.
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