Visitors Review

matthew-flamesfan (2012-05-25 03:37)

A Champion of a Film

Like many character dramas, "The Fighter" uses the feature that sets itapart--the boxing aspect--as a backdrop. It doesn't focus on itprominently at all, and instead chooses to look at its characters. Saidcharacters, based on real people, are all solid and interesting, and itwas likely a good decision to not focus on them instead of the actualboxing matches.That isn't to say that the boxing itself isn't entertaining, it's justthat the fights can't compete with the drama aspect of the film. Thefamily drama, as well as the ones of specific characters and theirrelationships with one another, easily outclasses the boxing matches.Maybe it was the fact that I'm not a big boxing fan, and care moreabout good characters than watching two guys pummel each other forminutes on end.There's another possibility as to why the fights didn't leave as big animpact on me as the rest of the film did. It might be because of theway they were shot. Director David O. Russell hired a guest directorfrom HBO to film these scenes, and used the same type of cameras thatwere used in the time frame that the film takes place in. The fightsare shot as if they were going to be shown on cable TV, and it looksfar worse than the rest of the film does.Even though this was the intended effect, it didn't work out as well asit should have. Sure, it gives the fights a more realistic feeling, butthe novelty quickly wears off, leaving me wanting to see the fightsmore clearly. There is a lot of movement with the cameras during thesescenes, making the fights somewhat difficult to follow. The times youdo get to see them, the choreography is well done, even though it'sexactly what you'd expect from a boxing match. Punches are thrown,people cover their faces, and more punches are thrown. Described as a"chess match" within the film, boxing fights to me aren't all thatentertaining to begin with. Maybe I just don't get them.The story that takes place around the boxing matches is moreinteresting, and makes "The Fighter" worth seeing. "Irish" Micky Ward(Mark Wahlberg) is a struggling boxer, never quite making it. Hisbrother Dick (Christian Bale) is his sparring partner, and his mother(Melissa Leo) is his manager. Things aren't working out well for him,and after losing an unfair fight, he considers quitting boxing forgood.He doesn't, of course, as he is egged on by his girlfriend Charlene(Amy Adams). His issues with her, and with the rest of his family, takecentre stage from this point forward. Dick is a crack addict, and isconstantly late for training. His mother seems to favor Dick overMicky, and doesn't seem to have Micky's best interests in mind. Mickyis a passenger in his own life, always having his decisions made forhim.The characters are all interesting, and they all attempt to make youcare about them. You will. Their characterization is all strong, fromMicky's passive demeanor, to Dick's back story, all of it is well done.You see the characters' flaws, and you want them to get past them. Thefilm want you to feel hope, a feeling that you may or may not get toexperience by its finale. The story is the only real problem that the film has. Even withoutseeing many, if any, boxing movies, I figured out how each of thematches would end. Predictability is something that "The Fighter" has,and this factor does take away a slight bit from the story that thefilm tells.The acting, on the other hand, definitely helps the story out. All ofthe main actors did a great job in their roles. Christian Baleespecially stands out, playing the drug-addicted older brother to ourlead character. He sells the role perfectly, and, as Bale is prone todo, he went through some physical transformations for the role. Whilehe didn't lose the same amount of weight as he did for "The Machinist",(where he lost an astounding 63 pounds), he did lose quite a bit ofweight. He looked like he could be addicted to drugs, and this makesyou feel sorry for his character.Mark Wahlberg also underwent significant weight changes for his role ofMicky Ward. Unlike Bale, Wahlberg had to bulk up for the film, andactually began training four years prior to filming. He looks like hecould be a boxer, and despite being nearly 40 years old, he looks likehe could be the 31-year-old Micky. His performance wasn't quite asscene-stealing as Bale's was, but it was impressive nonetheless. Unlikeprevious roles, Wahlberg plays a quieter, more docile character in "TheFighter", something that works quite well. He usually plays more alpha-male style roles, but here he gives some genuine depth to his portrayalof the real-life Micky Ward.To say nothing of the supporting cast would be a travesty. Thesecondary performances were likely better than the leads, but they dofeel overshadowed at times. Melissa Leo and Amy Adams were bothexcellent, making you focus your attention on them whenever they appearon-screen."The Fighter" isn't so much about boxing as it is about therelationships between different members in a specific family. It usesboxing as a backdrop, a catalyst to bring forward the drama that thefilm deals with. The drama is intense, the fights are entertaining, andthe characters are interesting. All of the performances were great withthe supporting cast overshadowing, yet not totally negating Wahlberg'sperformance as the lead. Based on the true story of Micky Ward, "TheFighter" tells an intriguing story, one that will keep you interestedfrom start to finish.

TheMovieMorgue (2012-05-24 16:26)

Bale gives the performance of his career

Darron Aronofsky, the director of the amazing Mickey Rourke film "TheWrestler" and the adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr's novel "Requiem for aDream", was original set to direct this film but left it so that hecould work on "Black Swan" instead. He is still credited however as oneof the producers. "The Fighter" is a true story based on boxer MickyWard from Lowell who was trained by his brother before going pro. MarkWahlberg had been preparing for the role since 2005, and we candefinitely see how well it paid off. Christian Bale lost a lot ofweight for his role, in what is probably the performance of his career,and never has anyone who has received the Oscar for Best SupportingActor deserved it more.HBO are filming the comeback of Dick Eklund (Christian Bale) to boxing.Eklund, now a crack-head and showing every sign of it with his manicbehaviour, explains how he is training his kid brother Micky Ward (MarkWahlberg) who is a promising fighter. Dick is forty and Micky is in hisearly thirties. They come from a big family where they have a good fewsisters. Their mother Alice takes charge of all of Micky's boxingaffairs and dictates along with Dick, everything he should be doing.But after they fix him up with a fight where his challenger is almosttwice the size of him and he gets the head boxed off him, Micky beginsto reconsider. He gets an offer to go to Las Vegas where they will payhim to train. His girlfriend Charlene encourages him to do this, butMicky isn't sure if he can leave his family behind and tell his brotherthat he doesn't need his help."The Fighter" is more of a family-drama than it is a boxing movie. Butthe boxing scenes are very well filmed using 1990's style HBO camerasto give them an authentic feel. Mark Wahlberg is superb, and ChristianBale is absolutely amazing. It's based on a true story, so the realDick Eklund and Micky Ward are shown at the end of the film and I thinkpart of the reason they stuck them in there was just to show us howwell Bale portrayed Eklund. When I first saw this in the cinema back inFebruary I said that Bale deserved the Oscar, and after viewing it asecond time on DVD, I believe more now that he deserved it. Wahlbergand Bale are backed by supporting performances from Melissa Leo whoportrayed their domineering mother Alice. Leo won the Oscar for BestSupporting Actress, but I honestly didn't think her performance wasanything special. I would have given it to Amy Adams who was alsonominated for it. Adams played Micky's bartender girlfriend Charlenewho doesn't get on with any of her in-laws. Jack McGee played Micky'ssupportive father George in a great performance, and Sheriff MickeyO'Keefe portrayed himself as Micky's mentor and trainer.It's not the best boxing movie I've ever seen (It has nothing on"Raging Bull", "Cinderella Man" or "Heart") but it's a milestone betterthan the likes of "Rocky". Christian Bale gives the performance of hiscareer; I highly recommend it to everyone, fans of the genre won't bedisappointed. It also has it's share of humour, emotional drama andromance that may appeal to everyone else.

Lee Eisenberg (2012-05-23 14:16)

I just recently saw "Belle Epoque"

Having seen "The King's Speech" yesterday and "The Fighter" today, I'dsay that the latter isn't quite as good as the former, but I stillstrongly recommend both movies. The latter is about boxer Micky Ward,and his half-brother Dicky Eklund.The half-brothers come from the economically depressed town of Lowell,Massachusetts. Dicky had gone up against Sugar Ray Leonard, but hassince been in and out of jail, battling crack cocaine addiction. Now,Micky is trying to have a boxing career. But it's bound to be a toughjourney.This movie is very much about the characters. Practically all thecharacters are unpleasant in some way. Mark Wahlberg shows Micky to besomeone whose experiences have forced him to always have a nasty side,though he always tries to do the right thing. Christian Bale showsDicky to be a real burnout, but who truly wants what's best for hishalf-brother. Amy Adams plays what must be the first gritty role of hercareer, as Micky's bar-tending love interest Charlene Fleming. Probablythe most intense character in the movie is Melissa Leo as Micky andDicky's mother Alice: she's lived such a hard life that she's nearlyincapable of being warm towards anyone.Does the movie have any problems? Well, the boxing matches themselvesseemed pretty routine for what we see in movies. Alice's hostilitytowards everyone around her came across as excessive - maybe absurd -in a few scenes, but it was clear that this was the only way that sheknew how to be, and she wanted the best for her sons.Overall, "The Fighter" is definitely a movie that I recommend. Like Isaid, probably not the year's best movie, but I do think that at leastit would probably be justified to give Adams or Leo an Oscar. Reallygood.

colin_coyne (2012-05-22 17:59)

Christian Bale's performance is a knock-out ....

THE FIGHTER is a new film from director David O. RUSSELL (Three Kings,I Heart Huckabees), depicting the story of the early years of MickyWard (played by MARK WAHLBERG – Boogie Nights, Planet of the Apes,Italian Job, The Departed) the boxer, known to his fans as "Irish", andwho was trained by his ex-criminal, drug-addicted, half-brother trainerDicky Eklund who helped him in the early years before Micky wentprofessional in the mid 1980's – on his improbable journey to winningthe world light welterweight title.The early part of the film opens with a TV documentary being filmedabout Dicky (played by Christian BALE – Batman – The Dark Knight/BatmanBegins, American Psycho, The Machinist), who's main claim to "fame" wasthat he once boxed in 1978 with Sugar Ray Leonard and knocked him over… although, the vast majority of people agree that Sugar Ray Leonardtripped … Dicky is the trainer and very much a hero to the gullible Micky …unfortunately, Dicky is living very much in the past and in adrug-induced haze … he believes the documentary is to chart theprogress of his "comeback" … although the TV producers are actuallyfilming it for a different reason entirely … Micky's boxing progress is actually very much hampered by anincreasingly unreliable Dicky, and his domineering Mother-of-nineAlice, (played splendidly by MELISSA LEO) who is also his Manager andafter a series of mis-matched bouts against vastly bigger opponentsMicky starts to think about quitting – until he meets barmaid and loveinterest Charlene (played by AMY ADAMS – Enchanted, SunshineCleaning)who is convinced in his potential and advises him to seek anew manager and trainer … which brings them into direct conflict with"the family" … at which point all hell breaks loose … There is a fair amount of pugilist action (as you would expect) to keepthe fans of boxing happy … are there are some strong performances bysome of the cast – namely the lovely Amy Adams and Melissa Leo … The "real" star-turn of this movie though, is the performance ofChristian Bale – who steals every scene he is in with a terrificperformance – he has been nominated for best supporting actor Oscar …and on this evidence he deserves it – as his performance was aknock-out ...As for Amy Adams and Melissa Leo – they have both been nominated forbest supporting Actress – now that is a punch up I would like to see!THE FIGHTER is 115mins long, is rated an R certificate and will be ongeneral release from 4th February 2011

collipal-1 (2012-05-18 23:36)

A splendid film

I am not a fan of boxing, but I understand the irresistible attractionit exercises on many people, including filmmakers who try to captureall the drama, pain and passion generated into the ring in the bigscreen. Boxing is an undoubtedly difficult sport, which cannot bepracticed anybody; and even though it requires many sacrifices, it canalso offer extraordinary rewards (at least under Hollywood's affectedinterpretation). So, the best movies about boxing have a perfectcombination of emotion, drama and action...as we can now see in TheFighter, an extraordinary film which departs a little bit from theformula, but without ignoring the traditional elements which can makethis sub-genus to be cathartic and satisfactory.In films like Rocky, Cinderella Man and The Wrestler, the fight in thering is a metaphor of the real fight from the main character, whetherif it is for going out of poverty, for showing his personal value orfor recovering the dignity which was snatched to him by life in otheraspects. But in The Fighter, the fights are a peripheral element,because the real conflict is not on the ring, but in the modest suburbsfrom Lowell, Massachussets, where the characters must face emotionaldisputes and take hard decisions which will deeply affect their futureas well as their family. Do not misunderstand me...the fights arefantastically filmed, and they brought me great moments of hope,tragedy and suspense. But the most memorable scenes (at least by mypoint of view) were not the punching, falls and miraculous recoveries,but the dramatic confrontations from the main character with hisbrother, his mother, his trainers, his girlfriend, and other people whoonly wanna see him triumphing, even though they do not coincide in theway he must take to achieve it.Before watching The Fighter, I was fearing that it would be a simpleboxing rehash of the brilliant film The Wrestler, which was directed byDarren Aronofsky; and my fears were accentuated when I found out thatAronofsky himself was a co-producer of The Fighter. However, afterhaving watched this movie, I have to say that there is nothing to fearof...even though both films have a vaguely similar story, their styleand atmosphere are very different. The only things they have in commonare the high quality from the performances and the emotional impactthey provoked on me. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale bring excellentperformances, and the acclamation they both received is absolutelydeserved. The supporting cast also made a perfect work, starting byMelissa Leo and Amy Adams as the mother and the lover (respectively)from the main character. I also liked the work from Jack McGee verymuch. And finally, the unknown actresses who interpret the 7 daughtersfrom the Ward family also made a brilliant work, and they bring some ofthe most dramatic and also some of the most humorous moments from thismovie.I also liked the previous work from director David O. Russell, but Ithink that The Fighter is definitely his best movie so far. One of thethings I most liked from The Fighter is the style employed by him,which is fluid and dynamic but at the same time incredibly thorough,capturing the big dramatic moments as well as the small and eloquentdetails which fill in the narrative holes from the story's peripherywith a casual precision, enriching the narrative and increasing thedramatic weight from every scene. It is like watching a story through afilmmaker's eyes; it supposedly should be always like that, but while Iwas watching The Fighter, I noticed that that is unfortunatelysomething that rarely happens. In conclusion, The Fighter is a splendidfilm which deserves a highly enthusiastic recommendation for succeedingso much in every single aspect.

JohnRouseMerriottChard (2012-05-18 18:16)

Sometimes boxing out of corners is not confined to the ring.

The Fighter is directed by David O. Russell and collectively written byScott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson and Keith Dorrington. It starsMark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. Music is byMichael Brook and cinematographer for the film is Hoyte van Hoytema.Film is based on the true life tale of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward(Wahlberg), who had to battle thru family strife to give himself achance of achieving something in the sport.The synopsis is simple because the film is simple, but sometimes withsimplicity comes great things. Such is the case with The Fighter, aboxing film that is that rare old animal of being a cliché riddledsports film: yet one that's totally raw and uplifting into the bargain.The film had a long gestation period, big names such as Matt Damon,Brad Pitt, Darren Aronofsky were attached at one point, Scorsese, too,was in the frame to helm at one point, but still Wahlberg couldn't gethis dream project off the ground. But all's well that ends well, for asit turned out, Russell, his director on I ♥ Huckabees & Three Kings,stepped into the ring and with Bale now on board too, the elements werein place for a Raging Bull/Rocky of this millennium. Is The Fighterworthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as Marty & Sly'spugilistic punchers? Hell yes it is, in fact it carries the gritty toneakin to the former and the feel good factor of the latter.That Russell has managed to rise above the pitfalls of sports movieformula is an impressive achievement, more so given that this istreading the well worm path of rags-to-riches and triumph overadversity, but he is helped immeasurably by the performances of theprincipals in the cast. Wahlberg is the heart of the picture,physically he fits the bill anyway, but he has to play conflictedemotion to perfection, as Micky is pulled from pillar to post by allaround him, to truly make Ward work. And he does. Bale, in thebeginning, you feel is going to lay out a method turn reliant onanother one of his punishing physical changes. Yet as the elder Wardbrother-a fallen sportsman himself-now a crack addicted dope under theimpression he's making a comeback-Bale manages to elicit empathy,sympathy and a request for us to root him out of his rut: quite a featgiven the character's obvious fallibility's as kin. Adams as "thegirlfriend" is spunky, brassy and tough as old boots, it's great to seeher get a role so stripped down and raw it lets her showcase herdramatic talents. Rounding out the four pronged propeller of qualitythesping is Leo as mother Alice. Brilliantly boisterous, angry and amaternal maelstrom of ignorant parenting, in another's hands this couldhave been caricature mundanity.Some missteps exist, such as relegating Adams to the back ground in thelast quarter, and for sure the final fight, although well edited andpotent, is far too short and rushed to 100% capitalise on the swell ofsupport built up for Micky up to that point. But they are minor gripes,itches easily scratched at when judging the film as a whole. For thisis an uplifter for our times; a sports movie that comfortably sits upat the top with the best of them. Bravo. 9.5/10

witster18 (2012-05-16 08:13)

Great performance from Bale. This Could have been epic.

Alright.The Fighter is a true story about Mickey Ward - my favorite boxer. Igrew up around this time, and watched most of the fights featured inthe film. I recently wrote a sports-blog(for 4 years) about a varietyof sports; boxing, football, baseball, basketball, etc. On oneparticular occasion I wrote a blog about 'The Top 20 Sports MomentsSince 2000'. Amongst them were Michael Phelps' Gold Medal barrage,Usain Bolts' 100 meter world-record, and the 2004 Red Sox winning MajorLeague Baseball's 100th World Series, which ended the Curse of theBambino. What was #1? What event/moment did I single as the greatest?Mickey Ward's first fight against Arturro Gatti.It was a fight that made movies like Rocky 3 marginally realistic. Thebrawl of brawls. The most violent, epic, unforgettable, irreplaceable,'shake your hand on your buddies head'' moment of sports Godliness. Ittook boxing fans back to the pre-depression days of bare-knuckle fightsand hard-men, and reminded us of the euphoric heights of heart anddetermination that can be captured in sport.Not even a strong performance from Christian Bale can make up for thatsports' moment being left out of this screenplay. We can only hope thatAronofsky's drama/comedy will get non-boxing fans to look into thecareer of Mickey Ward - so that they might see that fight.Bale's performance is amazing, but I don't think that Mark Wahlbergreally captured the role of Mickey in the same way. At least he didn'timmerse himself into the character in the same way as Bale, and thebiggest resemblance he had with Mickey was his physique.This was a very good movie; entertaining, fast-paced, with a briskrunning time. 'The Fighter' isn't quite as good as its' current rankinghere, but it should crack the years Ten Best, IMO. The boxing scenes are more realistic than most, and the interactionbetween Mickey's family and circle of friends is priceless.Good. Not great! Nudged out 'The Town' as the best movie I saw thisweek. If Wahlberg was on par with bale, and if this had gone anotherhalf-hour and included the Ward/Gatti fight, it might have scored ashigh as a 8-8.5.75/100Solid Recommendation.You'll like it if you like: Bull Durham, Without Limits, Conviction,and Rocky Balboa.

(2012-05-15 21:22)

I love these actors but...

I've been a fan of Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale for years. But seriously, I watched 45 minutes of the movie and wondered why I should empathize with these characters. I know it is supposed to be a dramatic movie, but I've seen episodes of soap operas that work better than this. The actors are amazing so I can't help but think there was something wrong with the direction of the film. Where's the passion? The first four Rocky movies as well as Cinderella Man brought it.

(2012-05-15 00:24)

Great movie

This review is from: The Fighter (DVD) The fighter is about family. The acting is excellent. The writing is very good. I enjoyed it. I would recommend it.

(2012-05-14 20:50)

Speedy but some issues

This review is from: The Fighter (DVD) Great pricing. Speedy delivery...certainly a plus. However packaging was a concern. DVD arrived crushed and was floating in the case. It suffered several scratches as a result. So far plays fine.

(2012-05-12 15:07)

Everybody Loves An Up-From-The-Bottom Underdog Story!!

It doesn't matter that this kind of formula has been done a zillion times already!People love to see a person who comes from the fringes of society, the bottom of the socio-economic scale, or who overcomes some seemingly insurmountable circumstance, to become victorious.We all cheer, our hearts leap, our cynicism is momentarily vanquished, and our faith in humanityis restored!---We leave the theatre feeling great for a week or two. This film, in itself, was an underdog. Mark Wahlberg and the powers that be behind this filmhad a very tough uphill climb trying to get this film made. Thank goodness that they were dilligent, because they created a brilliant film.They found a new approach to an age old format, and the end result is quite impressive.Both Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale turn in tour-de-force performances!It amazes me how Christian Bale will loose weight, gain weight, shave his head, his butt (just kidding!), get muscled and buff, or whatever it takes to completely inhabit his role.Not since the prime era of Robert DeNiro, have I seen such dedication in an actor!He wholly deserved his oscar this year for his portrayal of the rough, tough, and grizzledex-fighter brother of Wahlberg's character, whose best days are far behind him and he has falleninto a crack-hazed purgatory. He finds redemption and a new purpose for his life in his closerelationship and involvement in the fledgling boxing career of his younger brother, played with equalintensity by Mark Wahlberg, who buffs back up ala his "Marky Mark" days, but effects a whole other level of maturity and accomplishment as an actor, which is indicative of his incredible growthwithin the entertainment industry into a modern day mogul. He's a respected actor, producer of may hit films and television series, and was a major force in getting this film made.The supporting cast was good as well and their are moments of levity scattered through this storywhich keeps it light and doesn't get bogged down. All-n-All, a great movie to own or rent.

(2012-05-12 10:44)

One of the year's finest

At first, looking at the movie stills or the DVD sleeve, one may think that the `The Fighter' is a film on boxing. It is about boxing, sure, but David O' Russell's film is more about family, the strains of having one and the relationships between brothers and their fights.A narration of Mick Wards (Wahlberg) journey to the welterweight title the Fighter is easily one of the best films of the year. Throughout his career which had signs of immense promise, Mick Ward had been falling short of the big title win. Part of the problem lay with the choice of opponents and generally bad advice dished out by his manager mother ( Melissa Leo) and trainer brother/ drug addict Dicky ( Christian Bale). Although Ward is aware of his greatness he is constantly hampered by the ties of his family and his obligations to them. He meets Charlene (Amy Adams) and things start to change. Dicky manages to land himself in prison and Mick decides to train under a new management thus setting him up for a confrontation with his family. The story is driven by some fine performances by the entire cast but make no mistake this film belongs to Christian Bale; I think this is easily one of his best performances. Playing a former champ who once knocked out Sugar Ray, he transforms himself both physically and mentally for the role. His hollowed out cheeks and manic intensity inhabits the screen and threatens to drown out everyone. The Fighter may be Wahlberg but Bale gets to deliver the knockout punch, however it is to Wahlberg's credit that he does not get drowned out by this fine acting and stands his ground with an even performance in many thrilling scenes throughout the film. It may be easy to hate Bale at times but his goofy personality and his love for his brother shines throughout the scene. In the screen credits at the end, we get a peek at the real Wards. I highly recommend this film with 4 stars. 6/17/2011

ldquinn (2012-05-12 04:54)

Not Just A Boxing Movie

Well acted production tells the story of one family, two brothers - allof whom have their own issues to be dealt with. A pretty good portrayalof a hard scrabble life in Lowell, MA.Dialogue, script, acting and direction are all good; but, nothingreally struck me as benefiting all the hype this film has generated.This is not a boxing movie; rather, a well done character study.Worth a couple of hours in the theater with good popcorn - an escapeonly - you'll not leave the theater reveling about the film - maybe noteven thinking of it once you get as far as your car.Three stars for the acting only, not the entire package.

jacob_jones72 (2012-05-11 12:50)

I Think I'll Go Call My Brother..

The most haunting moment is when we finally learn why camera crews arefollowing Dickie around.. When the camera man utters those words, thatit's a film about crack addiction, I felt Dickies pain as heunderstood, yet forgot almost immediately because of his pursuit of hisnext high.. I lost an older sister to addiction, and I admit that Icried like a baby at the end of this film.. It hit on so many emotionalchords, such as addiction, despair, and redemption.. And being from alarge Irish family, I chuckled at the clannish behavior of the Motherand her gaggle of daughters... It was so spot on, and hilarious.. Andfinally, the bond between brothers, which is what this film is about..Many will want to pigeonhole Christian Bale into the Supporting Actorcategory, but he should win the Lead Actor Oscar for this performance..This movie is just as much about Dickie, as Micky, and Bale'sperformance leaves no room for apathy.. He forces you to enter hisworld.. And Melissa Leo is just a great actress.. Everything she doesis utterly amazing.. Marky Mark was solid, as usual, and Amy Adams isjust everywhere!.. And the guy who played George (the Dad)?... Lovethat guy!..

george.schmidt (2012-05-09 18:12)

Talented cast at the top of their games score a KO in affective boxing biopic

THE FIGHTER (2010) *** Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, Christian Bale,Melissa Leo, Jack McGee, Mickey O'Keefe (as Himself). Biographicaldrama about Boston boxer Micky Ward (an affective, low-keyWahlberg athis career best) attempting for a redemption shot at a title bout butthe long shadow cast by his one-time contender/junkie brother Dicky(Bale, scary good and Oscar bait for Best Supporting Actor) and hisoverbearing managing mother (Leo equally affective) may mar hischances. Director David O. Russell wisely allows the working class'burbs of Boston work its magic and his talented cast –including aspunky Adams as Wahlberg's flame – room to do their best in thispredictable yet well-told pugilistic warhorse tale.

Hassan Ilahi (2012-05-09 01:09)

Wahlberg's big project exceeds thoroughly.

Mark Wahlberg was never an acclaimed actor. Yes, he was brilliant in'The Departed' and 'Boogie Nights', but otherwise he came in garbagefilms like 'Max Payne'. So, you can tell that he wanted the'recognition' from the world and was a bit desperate to get a greatscript working. He came up with this film and thoroughly blew me away.'The Fighter' features captivating performances from Wahlberg, Bale,and Adams; and also captures the raw intensity of dysfunctionalfamilies and neighborhoods. David O. Russell makes an impressive turnwith this film and leaves me mesmerized.The performances are captivating and powerful. Mark Wahlberg is highlyfocused as the main character of the film and keeps the show going.Christian Bale gives the probable best performance you'll see from himyet. Amy Adams is ferocious and aggressive (not afraid to take astand). Supporting cast is fine too; Melissa Leo makes a surprisingturn as the mother. She is arrogant, humorous, and near-perfect.The storyline is great and enough to keep you glued to the screen.Focusing on the certain culture and on-goings of a dysfunctional familyare interesting, (if not thoughtful). The direction is also great, butnot anything outstanding like the performances. Russell does a damnwell job.Overall, this film is truly watchable and exceptionally one of the bestfilms this year. The performances are highly appraisal; Wahlberg, Bale,and Adams deserve recognition from the harsh Academy. Just hope thatthe Academy don't make a stupid mistake.

(2012-05-07 20:29)

Fantastic movie

This review is from: The Fighter (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (Blu-ray) This is a fantastic movie. My family saw it in the theater and just had to add it to our home collection.

(2012-05-07 13:50)

Excellent performances in a true life mixture of "Rocky" and "Raging Bull"

Based on a true story "The Fighter" takes us into the lives of two boxers; Dicky Ward(Oscar winner Christian Bale) who had his chance but didn't succeed fighting solace in crack and his younger brother Mickey (Mark Wahlberg)who Dicky is coaching. Their mom (Oscar winner Melissa Leo) focuses more on Dicky because he didn't make it and emotionally he appears to need the support while Mickey becomes nothing more than a vessel in which they store their hopes and dreams. When Mickey meets Charlene (Amy Adams) he realizes he has a chance to pursue his dream of a title fight but he feels he must break away from Dicky to succeed.David Russell's film is a marvelous glimpse into the complex relationships in this fractured family and their dreams. The DVD has looks quite good and the special features which include Russell's commentary track, "The Warrior's Code" about shooting the movie, "Keeping the Faith" a featurette about Lowell the city where the Ward's lived and deleted scenes.It's worth picking up and enjoyable film.

filmchasing (2012-05-06 23:52)

And a one, two, punch

Tale of a boxer against all odds.Raw, gritty, intense. Everything you'd expect from a boxing movie.Christian Bale really steals the show.Micky Ward's sisters add a great, humorous balance to this crazy mix ofcharacters.With the hand-held camera & old-school effects, there's nothingpicturesque about this.Only thing that bothered me was that it felt like a scene was missingat the end.Altogether? Spirited & inspiring.8/10

Rob616 (2012-05-06 08:08)

the movie may be enjoyable but DON'T BUY THE DVD!!!!!

I gave this 5 out of 10, because i haven't yet been able to actuallyWATCH the movie. I rented the "DVD" and I can say that THE DVD DOES NOTWORK!!! I have several DVD players, and this disc did not work in anyof them. When I first put the DVD in, an error message popped upreading that the disc was unplayable. On the second attempt it justplayed the movie studio intro over and over repeating the first 9seconds endlessly. Finally on a different DVD player, the movie DIDstart, except it skipped to halfway into the movie and had no sound.This disc was new and had no scratches. I'm assuming that theyattempted to put so many different copy-protection schemes on this discthat it is no longer a true DVD. avoid the disc. wait for it to beavailable through netflix streaming or some other means.