New Favourite Boxing Movie

Rating: 8/10 (16 March 2018)

Lets be honest, there are a number of boxing movies preceeding this one. The entire Rocky series for instance. Because of that, I see that alot of the reviews are touting that this movie feels formulaic. I would agree insofar as there are some cool montage scenes meant to get the viewer fired up. However, the difference here is that the music is much more modern as opposed to 'Eye of the Tiger'. Outside of that, I was thoroughly impressed by the directing and action scenes.
Speaking about the movie as a whole, I was completely floored. McAdams' death was so traumatic that I literally had to stop watching for a few minutes. It is impossible not to feel heartbroken at the grief and anguish Gyllenhaal carries afterwards. As his life is turned upside down, the viewer is left to contemplate how they themselves would cope with the emotional turmoil of having their loved ones violently taken from them. His subsequent self destruction is a fear at the core of every human that has suffered the loss of a bond as strong as love.
Whether you're a boxing fan or not, you will enjoy this movie. Its message reminds us all that no matter what happens, we need to keep fighting for ourselves and our loved ones. For me, Billy Hope has become a new icon of perseverance. Don't be surprised if you find yourself yelling at the TV or physically reacting to certain scenes.
That all having been said. the reason that this movie gets an 8 and not higher is very simple.. McAdams' death was unnecessary. Dont get me wrong, the whole movie is centrifugal around this particular plot development. However, if you review the movie chronologically, you will see that Escobar wanted to fight Hope and the feeling was mutual prior to the ensuing tragedy. 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) turns down the fight which eventually leads to an altercation wherein Escobar is taunting Hope. All of this makes sense, however the part where Billy's wife gets shot in the altercation does not. Was it intentional? Was it an accident? Was 50 cent in on it? We never even really find out what happens to the shooter. As twisted as it sounds, the movie would be even more compelling if the death was targeted. Given the impact it has on the movie, more details surrounding the reason and aftermath of McAdams' death would have provided more closure.