Maybe, watch it again

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2016)

Jake Gyllenhall delivers to us an outstanding show of dedicated emotional expression and physical commitment. Yet.. It seems by the abundance of reviews that this movie was bound to fail before production had even begun. I am surprised at the vast number of comments that shame Gyllenhaal for his lackluster performance when in reality any movie of this specific genre (boxing, comeback story) will inevitably achieve. This in particular being a film full of the usual boxing training montages and unthinkable underdog final victories. The problem is that a majority of the slandering reviews of this movie are focused on that idea only; boxing. The film contains epic highs and lows that pertain to a family torn from sudden tragedy. It provides a sense of real world realization and utilizes that realization as the fuel that suddenly infamous Billy Hope needed to overcome his cumbersome vices. This film is an inspirational tool to those who need both physical and emotional motivation. Thumbs up to Gyllenhaal, Fuqua, and Eminem for this awesome production.