I really liked Training Day, it’s one of the best, disturbing films out there starring Denzel Washington. I was less impressed with The Equalizer. It was good, but not Training Day good. Now Director Antoine Fuqua is doing the requisite Hollywood boxing flick.
Starring everyone’s new favorite anti-hero, Jake Gyllenhaal, as Billy “The Great” Hope, Southpaw will no doubt push the audience and the film-makers to an adrenaline fueled edge.
“Southpaw, consists of an in-eloquent, though brutal, display of offensive fighting…one fueled by his own feelings of inadequacy and a desperate need for love, money and fame. With a beautiful family, home and financial security, Billy is on top both in and out of the ring until a tragic accident leaves his wife dead and sends him into a downward spiral.”
Swift take: Ever since Jarhead, I have been following Gyllenhaal’s work, and some have been near misses, but never any complete crap fests. I know our H-Man is rapidly growing into a Gyllenphile. The only problem I already have with this flick is I feel like I have seen this before, like every two or three years. Still, I am hopeful it will be worthy of your money and our time.
I didn’t see anything about Denzel in this one, but Forest Whitaker will play a large supporting role as Tick, the ex-boxer that takes Billy under his tuteledge and teaches him about fighting for more than just a fancy belt . . . rather, real honor.
Hits theaters: July 31, 2015
