Flicks, Steve Newall
Jake Gyllenhaal’s appetite for physical transformation continues apace here after the emaciation of Nightcrawler, but while he more than looks the part of light heavyweight boxer Billy Hope in physique, technique and intent, Southpaw’s lead is let down by an overly conventional tale that fails to distinguish itself. While the film’s first act traces a champ’s fall from grace, Raging Bull this ain’t. And despite a familiar redemptive arc commencing, it’s not The Fighter either.
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