Modern mishmash of the Rocky films with a raw urban tone

Rating: 7/10 (8 April 2016)

Released in 2015, "Southpaw" tells the story of a champion boxer (Jake Gyllenhaal) who suffers tragedy and loses everything but his talent, drive and daughter. With the help of a trainer (Forest Whitaker) he seeks to get his crown back, plus revenge. Rachel McAdams plays his wife, Oona Laurence his daughter, 50 Cent his manager and Miguel Gomez his nemesis.
The movie doesn't hide the fact that it's a modern amalgam of the Rocky movies, like II, III, V and VI. While the score is by James Horner the soundtrack is by Eminem with two impressive rap/metal songs: "Kings Never Die" and "Phenomenal." Some people think this limits the film's appeal, but it also could be argued that it fits its raw urban tone. On that note, there's fluent cussing so stay away if that turns you off.
Believe it or not, I've never seen Gyllenhaal in a movie before, although I recognize him, of course. He always struck me as one of those Hollywood pretty boys. I bring this up because nothing could be further from the truth with his role in "Southpaw" where he's the furthest thing from being a "pretty boy." Here, he's thoroughly convincing as a street tough who thinks with his fists and understands little about finance and the business side of boxing.
I was mainly interested in this movie due to McAdams, but her role is relatively small. Nevertheless, the movie pulled me into its story and entertained me for a couple of hours. Beyond that, it's a good lesson on humbling thyself and never giving up.
*** MINOR SPOILERS*** Some people complain at how quickly the champion boxer loses his great wealth but, for one, it was a matter of several months, not a couple weeks. Furthermore, His accountant mentions that his funds are being burned through; he obviously had a payroll. Then it is noted that the house is mortgaged, he has zero income because he stopped fighting and his tax return was due. He then takes the HBO deal and in the first fight foolishly assaults the referee, which incurs a huge lawsuit. I would assume his purse would be withheld as a result.
Also consider the fact that Mike Tyson made and lost $300 million. Yes, Mayweather and Pacquiao make gigantic money but look at other champions in other divisions. Unless you're a boxing fan you don't know the earnings of the best cruiserweight or the best bantamweight. While these guys are making good money, it's not on the Mayweather level. The movie establishes the character as rich but there's a big difference between $5 million rich and $500 million rich. Plus he wasn't tight with his money. He was buying Rolexes and cars for his buddies, not to mention legal costs; all this stuff piles up. Moreover, it's implied that the accountant and manager were taking more than their fair share.
People have made and lost millions and billions in real life, so how is it so implausible for some street tough – who clearly knows next to nothing about the financial world – to lose his wealth in this movie? ***END SPOILERS***
The film runs 124 minutes and was shot in and around the general Pittsburgh, PA, region (Indiana University, Washington and McKeesport), as well as Las Vegas for the final act.
GRADE: B