Review of Southpaw (2015) by Craig B — 21 Aug 2015

I remember champing at the bit to see each and every Rocky movie when they first hit the big screen all those years ago.

The awesome music, the hardcore training, Sylvester Stallone's muscles (no homo!), the incredibly well choreographed fight scenes and the down to the wire final results.

So it was no surprise that Mr CW was super keen to see "Southpaw" which opened last night at the ACE Cinemas in Rockingham.

Just let me start by saying that all the ingredients of the Rocky movies were present but in a different style and era.

Jake Gyllenhaal, IMHO, should get an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of World WBC Light Heavy Weight champion, Billy Hope.

Jake prepped for this movie over 6 months and presented a physique that was nothing short of ripped to shreds and very muscular. So much so that when he finished filming this flick he could have stepped on stage in a WFF bodybuilding contest. Our local WFF bodybuilding legend, David Nazaroff, must surely agree with me on this one!!

Gyllehaal's physical prowess in this movie was unquestionably exceptional, including his boxing skills. But, he also demonstrated great acting skills with his punch drunk, passionate, aggressive and sometimes emotive persona.

Another Hollywood favourite of mine, Forest Whitaker, did not disappoint as the owner of a local gnarly looking boxing gym in what was a low socioeconomic black neighbourhood. Billy Hope turned to Forest's character to try to renew his drive and motivation for another crack at the world light heavy weight title.

Forest really immerses himself in these types of roles and is just so incredibly believable and convincing.

Billy was the only white person in this gym, yet was accepted by them, with this in turn creating a refreshing racial harmony that was pleasing to watch unfold.

Fifty Cent, played the part of Jordan Mains, a typically ruthless & unscrupulous boxing manager/promoter. He did a great job, was perfect for the role and reminded me of a more aesthetically pleasing, modern day version of the infamous promoter during the 70's, 80's & 90's, Don King.

Oona Laurence, who played the part of Billy's daughter, Leila, put together an amazing performance for someone so young and inexperienced. The acting world is now definitely her oyster!

Miguel Gomez who played the part of Miguel Escobar, the WBC's number one contender, did a ripper job too. He reminded me of a slightly smaller, Latino version of the iconic Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) from the Rocky movies.

The entire extensive cast really was particularly good and a credit to the producers of this film.

Big Murray Mckay told me not to give too much away in terms of the plot, so I won't elucidate too much more in this regard, suffice to say the storyline was very interesting, engrossing and believable.

The fight scenes were sensational where I literally found myself squirming in my seat, throwing a few left jabs, ducking, weaving and getting those goose bumps on the back of my neck with the sheer adrenalin rush that coursed through my body. I can see why many sporting coaches get their teams to watch these sorts of movies just before a big game.

The final fight in Las Vegas was an absolute ripsnorter, you felt like you were actually in the stadium!!

I can't wait to get "Southpaw" on DVD so that I can watch it to get a nice kick of testosterone and endorphins before a big back or leg workout!!

Finally, to sum up, "Southpaw" need not be compared to the Rocky movies as it stands alone as a terrific boxing movie in it's own right.

CW's rating this time around...4 stars out of 5.