Southpaw

"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."

"Director Antoine Fuqua once more demonstrates his fascination with codes of masculine aggression, extreme violence and not much else."

"The script keeps its gloves on but Gyllenhaal gives his all, notching up one of his very best performances."

"Like a "Raging Bull" that’s been clocked one too many times in the head..."

"Southpaw asks both too much of Gyllenhaal and not enough – he’s being forced to build a whole character out of scraps, sawdust, and horrendous clichés."

"Strictly an undercard bout, displaying enough heart and skill to keep the paying customers from getting too restless."

"Amazingly, Gyllenhaal never cheats on his character's sense of dignity. Against the odds, he keeps you in Billy's corner. That's a champ."

"Southpaw sticks to tried-and-tested genre rules, yet an edgy cast keeps the story in sharp focus."

"Don’t get too caught up in the all-too-familiar plot, just savour Jake Gyllenhaal’s powerhouse performance..."