Proving that old routine, when delivered properly, can still be a knockout.

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2015)

There's a simple combo in boxing called "one-two", which is a jab followed by a cross, it's a basic move familiar to boxers. Southpaw has the same essence, you might see it coming, yet the production and acting are amazing, it still makes for an effective spectacle. Jake Gyllenhaal especially has produced one of his most engaging performances, it's no understatement that the film rests on his shoulder and he carries with beyond mediocrity.
Story is admittedly unoriginal. It's a boxer's struggle to get his life together after an incident, one has seen this premise in Rocky and practically many other similar movies. A bit difference is it opens when Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) is on the peak of his career. Usually, boxing movie doesn't depict much what happens during or after the big fights, so the slight chance in direction is welcomed.
What follows is pretty much expected journey of self-discovery through much hardship. There's so much focus on Jake Gyllenhaal and he doesn't disappoint in the slightest. His boxer persona is ridden with rage, occasionally socially awkward and pretty much unable to cope. It's these flaws that made him identifiable and halfway through audience would root for him like it's an actual title fight.
Other cast like Forest Whitaker, Curtis Jackson and the little Oona Laurence bring the story together. Granted, each represents a stereotype, but the relationships, either it's dysfunctional or platonic serves Billy's character development very well. The father-daughter bond is impressively done, it's the best family display after Matthew McConaughey's Interstellar.
There are a few flaws though. Some of the plot devices feel forced as though it for the sake of setting the scenario and the antagonists are excessively vilified. However, there's a degree of effort to make this a legitimate boxing film. Details such as the technical aspects, preparation and life style are present, boxing fans wouldn't be disappointed.
Southpaw is, objectively, an overused story, but the energy from production and brilliant performance by Jake Gyllenhaal are so infectiously inspiring and uplifting.