"I can't do this without you." "I can't do this with you." (dialog)

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2015)

Too many reviewers have Rocky on the brain. Fact is, there is no shame is re-imagining a formula if it is a good formula to start with. Fact is, Hollywood does not make enough of these kinds of films to start with, usually letting the B-producers fill the gap with second rate product starring ex UFC stars. A delight to find an A-List production!
Notes:
1. Gyllenhaal is being mocked as Oscar-worthy. The real test is whether this performance will impact viewers 20 or 30 years from now. I think it will. I think this is the performance he has been waiting his whole life to give.
2. McAdams -- about as far from TRUE DETECTIVE as the earth is from the moon -- does not get proper credit for her death scene. It could be the best death scene in the history of film.
4. Supporting cast to die for. Whittaker doesn't know how to give a performance that is less than perfect, and Oona Laurence not only looks like McAdams (props to the casting director) but steals every scene she is in.
I gave it a 9. It could be a 10.