'Shadowbower'

Helen Mirren
Cuba Gooding jr.
Stephen Dorff‘
Vanessa Ferlito
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Macy Gray
Mo’ Nique



R           93min           2005

‘Shadowboxer (2005)’ is about a female assassin, Rose, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer; she decides to carry out one final killing, assisted by lover and stepson, Mickey that changes their lives forever.

I didn’t know what to expect from this film, I rented because of Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s a stark departure from anything I’ve seen him in. ‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling and sometime rough movie to watch. The casting is eccentric and not the ‘Hollywood’ choices. The performances by Gooding and Mirren are what drive this film.

‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling drama that tells a tale that makes you wants to watch and at the same time turn away. There is some rough and shocking violence in this film. It’s violence that assassins who be adjusted to and off-putting to the average person.

The casting of this film is best described as eccentric; the actors cast in the part are so different that they complement each other and play to the actors’ strengths. Even with some of their over-the-top performance it works for the characters; lends to them being slightly psychotic and drives the story.

Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding Jr. lead this stellar cast. Mo’ Nique is believable as a jealous crack addict. Mirren and Gooding make one of the most interesting pair from a psychological point of view. It their relationship that compels you to watch. Their like a car wreck that you know you should turn away from but can.

I give it 5/5 Gs.