We Still Have Hope: A Review of Southpaw

Staring:                                               Directed By:                       Written By:

Jake Gyllenhaal                                  Antoine Fuqua                    Kurt Sutter     

Rachel McAdams

Forest Whitaker

Oona Laurence

Naomie Harris

Unabashedly heartbreaking, undeniably inspiring, and undisputedly a champion of films amongst some lackluster entries this summer.

Boxing has been in the center ring of many a film including Rocky and Raging Bull, and when it comes to sport flicks, stories are often rehashed for younger generations. Yet, what separates these films and makes them unique is the work and effort put into the storyline and characters.  In this boxing film, hot-headed street-kid turned world famous boxer Billy Hope, must over come the tragic death of his wife, (this is not a spoiler…it’s in the preview folks), his daughters sentence to be taken into child protective services, and the complete deconstruction of his life and career. A film, when introduced like so, may seem comparable to other films, however this is not the case with Southpaw.

Kurt Sutter 

Antoine Fuqua 

After seeing this moving film, it was obvious that the men and women that worked on this project were at the top of their games. Kurt Sutter, hot off the final, and brilliant season of the epic Sons of Anarchy, creates a world that is realistic, harsh, and soulfully deep. Antoine Fuqua, director of Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen, (and if you have not seen those two films...you need to), brilliantly directs this film in a way that makes you feel as if you are a part of this journey of self redemption. Southpaw hits audiences with a combination of beautifully damaged characters, and phenomenal actors bringing them to life.  The movie never once hits the breaks on action, emotions, and storyline.

Jake Gyllenhaal Variety

With Jake Gyllenhaal at the top of his game, both physically and professionally, it is hard to even imagine anyone else playing Billy Hope. The role was originally set to be played by Eminem however his part in the films musical tone was top notch. Phenomenal, is quiet brilliant and could very well be the newest Eye of the Tiger. Gyllenhaal brought such life to his performance that he seemed to disappear into the character and for the two hour running time, there was only Hope; his pain, his sadness, and his undefeatable strength. He just may finally have his day at the Oscars.

Rachel McAdams Huffington Post

Forest Whitaker Variety

Oona Laurence 

The supporting cast of Southpaw shines brightly making this film more than your average boxing flick. Rachel McAdams, the ill-fated wife of Hope is superb and her death scene alone deserves a best supporting actress nomination. More so, Forest Whitaker undoubtedly deserves a nomination and a win for his role as Willis, an ex-professional boxer, trainer, and Hopes’ (one) blue-eyed mentor. Whitaker seemed so comfortable and each time he spoke you knew he was going to say something memorable.  As far as moving performances, 10 year old Oona Laurence will break your heart and then piece it back together for you…bring tissues…for you emotional types.

Terrific through and through, Southpaw may very well have a chance in becoming a contender as one of the greatest boxing films in cinematic history.  Yet, that all depends on what you think.  Go to the movies, buy a ticket, sit back with an champion-sized popcorn and soda, and enjoy the film.

        Please, feel free to tweet me or comment here telling me what you thought of the film! 

  

A Leap of Faith

Inspiration may come in many forms and often cannot be recognized or even named. It's something that takes us over and allows us to be creative and motivated in ways that move us towards greatness. In my life, my family and friends have always been my inspiration for my writing, and then, back in the early stages of 2015 I "met" a woman who forever changed my life. She has inspired me to push forward as well look out for me in ways that I can only describe as angelic. Though she and I have never met in the flesh, only making contact through LinkenIn, and personal emails, she has now become my Scary Godmother.
Cydney Neil, a horror geek herself, has taken time out of her life to offer me guidance, support, and networking that can only be described as immeasurable. From the moment we connected I felt a deep sense of sincerity in her emails and her kind words always put a smile on my face.  Soon after we grew to know each other, as pen-pals, she put herself out there and introduced me to a dear friend of hers, with whom I was very familiar with. Ironically enough, I was just given a book recently published by him for my birthday. This connection has changed my life for forever.
I remember joking with Cydney through an email about her being my Fairy Godmother, and in a later email she corrected me stating that she was my Scary Godmother, something more fitting for our friendship and shared love of horror. I knew after that single email that she was something special.
Now, thanks to a leap of faith from this spiritually and intellectually gifted woman, I am on the verge of making my dreams come true.  She has opened a door for me that had been locked for sometime and now, I know that door will forever be open!
I'll share with you something Cydney told me in our last conversation, at least my interpretation of what she told me. Ones life is like a tree, providing shade and fruit for others, changing seasonally through it's lifetime.  However, one day all the fruit from those branches will fall and the leaves will died, no longer offering shade; just know that it is only seasonal. With patience, that tree will be able to offer fruit and shade to others once again. Embrace the seasons of your life and never give up on what you want and who you are.

Thank you Scary Godmother...

I Could Have Given Birth By Now...

The time it has taken me to write a new post since the last, way back in December, I could have had a baby...well almost. Actually probably not and for two very good reasons; 1. I'm a man. 2. It was only 7 months ago and I'd still have two more months until my due date, which is September 8th if anyone wanted to know.
So what have I been doing in those 7 months you ask, and If you didn't since you've already read this far you can just keep on going:

I Finished my Junior Year of College at the age of 35...
That's right! I just finished my junior year of college and in a few more months I'll finally be senior, and let me tell you it will be cake compared to the last two semesters!  Going back to school is hard enough at my age, but to keep up with the new technology, the new ways of teachings (all PowerPoint and hand held devises), and of course the 18 year old kids, was a challenge!  However, I did very well.  I finished with a 4.0/4.0, I was inducted into the National Communications Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta, received two scholarships, become the president of the television society on campus (by accident), and even got an internship at FANGORIA Magazine, (which has not yet started but I have already written one article for them and you can click here to check it out!).

I've Been Writing...Like A Lot!
Obviously I haven't been writing on my blogs, my other blog being I Want To Suck Your Blog, check it out when you have a minute...or after reading this post...either way thank you! I have really been concentrating on my scholastic writing, including writing a research paper on the connections between Zombies and Catholicism...That's right, this Jewish boy is getting his Jesus on, and I must say it has been amazing to study this religion..not to mention I attend a private Catholic university lol. As well as research papers, I'm now doing some re-writes on my newest horror-centric screenplay, The Masquerade, a movie about revenge, murder, and good old fashion slashings...NO FOUND FOOTAGE IN THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!.  (More to come on that!)

Well, that's enough for the time being....Coming up is a blog post on the screening of Alleluia presented by Tony Timpone and FANGORIA Magazine.

Glad to be back!