Genres: Drama, Adaptation, Biopic and Sports
Running Time: 1 hr. 54 min.
MPAA Rating: R for Language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures
The name of the movie might have had more accuracy, if it had some pullarity to it. As all the central characters were in a fight with something or someone. Only a viewing of this tremendous film could possibly do this opinion justice.
“The Fighter” centers on the incredible comeback of fighter Mickey Ward, who is portrayed by Wahlberg. For boxing fans he is best known for the Gatti and Ward clashes, which were some of the fiercest boxing battles ever fought, and certainly some of the most entertaining fights ever waged.
The film is nearly totally hijacked by Dicky Eklund, his little brother who is expertly portrayed by Christian Bale (Dark Knight and 3:10 to Yuma) in an acting presentation of a lifetime. If he were to lose the supporting Oscar to anyone else, it would be tantamount to the robbing of Fort Knox under an announced attempt. It is not as if Bale plays this character in every movie, this might be best viewed as if one was to take a runway model and turn her into a street performing juggler. This is one the top ten acting portrayals ever.
Mark Wahlberg did a laudable job in his role, which was largely over shadowed by Amy Adams, Bale and Melissa Leo.
The films absolutely captured the Lowell, Mass family and street culture, in its stark candid reality. Between the scenes of Dicky on the street and family in the kitchen at the Ward house, it is just a brilliant piece of celluloid.
David O Russell at the films helm, paces, places and spaces this two-hour film into tour de force. His only prior film, of any notice was ‘Three Kings” a film I totally panned upon its release in 1999. His career is bound to take an up tick with this winner on his now enhanced resume.
Expect that Melissa Leo, Mickey’s mom and the steely scene-stealer, to be giving an acceptance speech on Oscar night. Her career started in 1984 with six episodes on “All My Children” playing Linda Warner. She has since been very, very busy on TV and in Films that I either don’t know or recogonize. I guess ‘Treme” has gotten some attention, I truly had no clue who she was until now. With the Golden Globe and SAG awards in her hands, expect her mantle piece to feature the supporting Oscar. Anyone else could not begin to touch her stellar and gritty performance.
At the risk of taking some heat, this is the best Boxing film to date. Rocky isn’t in the conversation. Anyone might argue that “Raging Bull” is on the Top of that list. Bull did simply did not have the backdrop and character complexion of “The Fighter”.
I still favor ‘The Kings Speech” as the best film, although the fighter might just nose it out as my personal favorite.
