Filed under: Reviews
Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of former boxer Mickey Ward packs a riveting, powerful punch in David O. Russell's film, 'The Fighter;' but it's the performances by the rest of the cast, including scene stealer Christian Bale that make the film a winner.
Along with Melissa Leo and Amy Adams, this fact based drama has a shot to be among the ten films nominated for Best Film comes Oscar time.
Set in the early days of his career in Lowell, Mass., Mickey Ward always wanted to be like his older brother Dickey Eklund (played brilliantly by Bale). Dickey was the local who boxed first and got his one title shot against Sugar Ray Leonard. Although he lost the bout nearly 15 years ago, he would recall the time he knocked Leonard down. It's what made him the legend in the neighborhood, before he succumbed to being a drug addict and then going in and out of jail.
With his mom Alice (played by Leo) acting as his manager and Dickey has his trainer, Mickey hasn't had the best of fights. At the age of 31, Mickey knows his time in the ring is running out unless he can prove he can win.
His luck turns when he meets local bartender Charlene (played by Adams), who, much to the chagrin of Mickey's seven sisters and mom, gives him the confidence to walk away from the family and work with people who can him get to the right spot in the boxing world. The only obstacle Mickey sees is walking away from his biggest fan and hero, Dickey.
Wahlberg's been trying to get this project off the ground for years, and with patience and through numerous casting changes, he put together a film that's intensely poignant with well rounded characters.
With as many films to his credit, including 'American Psycho,' and 'The Dark Knight,' Bale has never been this good. This is the one film where you want him on screen all the time. Along with 'The Machinist,' it's one of his best performances ever. The same goes for Melissa Leo. Her Oscar nomination for 'Frozen River' a few years ago was no fluke. Amy Adams matched up just as well as the girl-next-door who doesn't take talk from anyone.
Overall, 'The Fighter' is a gritty film filled with lively and believable characters that make it a first rate entertainment.