SOUTHPAW
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Screenplay by Kurt Sutter
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal; Rachel McAdams; Oona Laurence; Forest Whitaker; and 50 Cent
Boxer Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal) turns to trainer Tick Willis (Whitaker) to help him get his life back on track after losing his wife (McAdams) in a tragic act of violence and his daughter (Laurence) to child protective services.
I took a while to post this review. I really wanted to sit on it and make sure my review was not influenced by other reviews.
Well yes, reviews for this film have been mixed. I can see why, the wonderful acting throws reviewers off a bit. The actors in this film (except 50 cent who is stiff as a board) are wonderfully cast and are all fantastic in their roles. Is Gyllenhaal's performance Oscar worthy? Yes!!! He is really good as an almost crazy/punch drunk Billy Hope. I also think Oona Laurence who plays Leila the daughter is fantastic and maybe, if the Academy remembers her role in January, she should get a strong look at for a nomination. Also Whitaker gives a possible Oscar worthy performance. And lastly Rachel McAdams in a small role is really good.
So we come now to the script. When McAdames dies (not a spoiler it is in the trailer) the film becomes very cliché. While McAdams is alive we get this interesting look at the behind the scenes life of a successful boxer. The pain, not only the physical pain we see of Billy Hope bleeding, and barely walking the next day, but also the pain and anguish it causes the family. However, like noted, when Maureen Hope dies, the story, which was interesting dies also. It becomes a boxing film we have seen before. The film breezes over some subjects that could be interesting. Like he loses all his money. How? He has an interesting relationship with his daughter and new trainer but it does not dig deep into the "Hows" and "Whys" that makes him change. There was something here but it fell apart.
3 1/2 stars out of 5 for Southpaw. It may be worth a look when it hits home viewing, mainly because of the performances.
Well as always from the shadows thanks for your time.
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