Source: Missy B / Missy B
I had the pleasure of seeing an advance screening of Southpaw last night and right off the bat, let me just say…this movie is a must see. If you like action, drama and a compelling storyline, you will enjoy this movie. Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a foster kid turned hot head boxing champ from Hells Kitchen, who is on top of the world until his inability to control his anger causes the death of his wife (Rachel McAdams.) Left to take care of himself and his daughter, Leila, Hope’s temper lands him broke, on edge and losing Leila down the very path he hoped to keep her from. With Leila now in child services, he returns to what he knows best to help get her back. Hope trains with Tick Wills (Forest Whitaker) for a chance to earn back his title and regain control of his life. Hope discovers that in life, we must come to grips with ourselves and find out exactly what we are fighting for.
I was interested in seeing this movie because I have been boxing at Title Boxing Grandview for about six months and have grown to really enjoy the workout. It was cool to identify moves I learned in class, but I walked away from the movie with a new outlook on life, love, relationships and comebacks. Life is so precious and “comes at you fast,” like the Nationwide Insurance commercial says. When the chips are up, everyone is in your corner, but when they come crashing down, you have face yourself and the find the strength within to bounce back.
We all have people who depend on us to make the right choices, even when we may not know how or what they may be. At the end of the day, life is about being willing to do whatever it takes to make the choices that will allow you to live your best life. The biggest take-a-way from the movie is that it’s never too late to refine who you want to be.
Southpaw also stars 50 Cent, Naomie Harris and Rita Ora. Southpaw is truly a movie about love, forgiveness and learning to fight for what matters. I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Southpaw hits theaters this Friday.
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