Movie Review: Southpaw (NC16)
Boxing movies tend to reel in the Oscar nominations.
Is Southpaw Oscar bait, then?
It does have all the elements: Physical transformation of its lead actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), a guy who has fallen from grace but fights back, a winning supporting cast (Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker) and that all-important backer, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
Gyllenhaal delivers a winning performance worthy of a nomination. Can't say the same about the story, though, which is pretty much recycled.
Gyllenhaal is a champion boxer whose life spirals downhill after a personal disaster. He must get back into the ring for that one last fight for redemption.
You will delight in how director Antoine Fuqua brings the punches real close.
Rating: 3/5
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