'The Fighter' Review

Mark Wahlberg's passion project that he carried through the development process and physically prepared for for 4 years has finally arrived. And while it certainly is not the new age 'Rocky,' or on par with the likes of 'Raging Bull' it is a likeable underdog film characterised by strong central performances, masterful direction and an emotional, albeit predictable, story line.

The story begins with Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) sitting together on a couch being interviewed by HBO films about Dicky's improbable comeback to the sport of boxing. Dicky used to be the pride of Lowell, Massachusetts (where the film is set) because, in his heyday, he managed to knock down Sugar Ray Leonard in a fight- a fact heavily contested throughout the film. But despite his successes Dicky's career ended after his crack addiction got the best of him, leaving him to spend most of his free time in a crack house while his mother (Mellisa Leo) turns a blind eye to it.

Micky gets the number of an attractive bartender (Amy Adams) but is too embarrassed to call her after his family mismanages his next fight, resulting in him taking a beating from an opponent 20 pounds heavier than him. The bartender, Charlene, takes offence to his actions and confronts him at his house and it is only after Micky spills his guts to her that she forgives him and allows him to take her out, kindling their relationship. As the two grow closer Micky begins to see things more clear, right now his family is dysfunctional and is pushing his career in the wrong direction and the best thing he can do for himself is to sever his working relationship with them and take on a new manager and trainer.

The initial shock from his family ultimately turns toward distress when Micky begins winning his fights. His new 'team' makes him swear to avoid his family, but he breaks his promise when he asks Dicky, who is now in prison after being arrested for impersonating a police officer and resisting arrest, for advice on an upcoming fight. Using the advice he is able to win thereby clinching an opportunity to fight for the welterweight belt. He reconciles with his family, after they apologise for their actions, and with the full support of all those who love him is able to win the welterweight championship of the world.

The story is inevitably cliched but the film sets itself apart from others by the performances of its leads. Christian Bale deserves every award he is illegible for, I don't care if it is the orange blimp at the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards or the golden statue at the Oscars, the man deserves it. He puts himself through Hell for this role and absolutely owns every minute of his screen time. His character is also the funniest in the film, adding a dimension of humor to the film that I had not expected coming in.  Initially I saw him portraying a character who was way over the top, seemingly unrealistic but after the movie ended there was a video clip of the real Micky and Dickey and it was eerie how similar Christian Bale played this guy, almost pitch perfect.

Melissa Leo was the only other outstanding performance in the film as her character, a mother of 9, struggles to cope with her world falling apart and desperately trying to mend it. Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams show off their acting chops in their respect roles as well but neither will be as memorable as Leo or Bale's character's.

Occupying the directors chair here is 3 time Wahlberg collaborator David O. Russell. He succeeds in getting the best out of his actors by demanding so much out of them and constantly expecting them to be perfect. If you recall the incident on the set of Three Kings with George Clooney where the two got in a fist fight over Russell's badgering of the crew( if you can get Clooney to take a swing at you, you must be a real dick..); or this little confrontation with Lily Tomlin on the set of I Heart Huckabees:

(The clip features some offensive language, be forewarned)

However despite how much of an ass he might be he certainly can shoot a movie, and in The Fighter he shows off his skills giving us an enjoyable film, he had my palms sweating in the middle and (although I knew the ending going in) had me rooting hard for Mickey at the end. My favorite part of the film is the way the boxing matches were shot; HBO style- giving the film more of an authentic feeling than if David O. Russell shot it his own way. The authenticity of the film doesn't stop with the camera work either, it goes all the way to the fights themselves where Mark Wahlberg did all of his own 'stunts,' essentially becoming a boxer for this role. He takes punches, he throws punches, he risks damaging his multimillion dollar physique all for the sake of realism. And although I can't speak for how closely this story matches with the truth, I would bet money that not much was sugar coated or omitted.

A gritty, raw, emotional and fun film, The Fighter is a feel good film that is enjoyable through all the ups and downs.

Score: A-