Wick's Review

Summary - Good 3.0

Southpaw telegraphs its punches. They do connect, but lose much of their impact because you see most coming. That said, Jake Gyllenhaal is an impressive physical actor, if not an exceptionally charismatic one.

The result is a movie that’s worth a cheap’o rental for boxing movie fans, albeit hardly one for the ages.

Acting - Very Good 3.5

Jake Gyllenhaal carries the movie as a legitimate leading man and surpassingly impressive physical actor. Pity he can’t overcome the glass-jawed script.

• Rachel McAdams lights up the screen as his gorgeous wife. She’s an ideal costar.
• Oona Laurence charms as their precocious little girl.
• Forest Whitaker turns in one of his best recent performances as a grizzled boxing trainer.
• Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson is the biggest surprise as a semi-corrupt boxing manager. The guy can act. Art imitates life when 50 Cent – bankrupt in real life – explains to a client that his money’s gone.
• Naomie Harris jumps off screen in a small role. Moneypenny’s got presence.

Film - Good 3.0

The Great White Hope hero is named Billy Hope, so his nickname can be “The Great Hope”. Trite.

Edge - Risqué 2.3

Reality - Glib 1.7

1 Comment

• Wick Nov 27, 2015 6:16PM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  “Its all good, and in the case of Southpaw – Very Good.” :-)

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