The Fighter (2010)
Directed by David O. Russell
Written by Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, and Keith Dorrington
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: The Fighter takes the audience on a journey into famous boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's early life, including his initial failings as a beginning boxer, his older brother's drug addiction, his relationship with girlfriend Charlene Fleming, and an in depth glimpse into the workings of Ward's family.
Review: To say the least, The Fighter was a good movie. It does an impressive job of keeping the attention of the audience the entire time, by showing every aspect of Ward's life, but each time showing it in a different way. At times, Ward feels as if he can't take the pressure his family puts on him, and he feels as if they are manipulating him. But at other times, he realizes that no matter how dysfunctional his family is, he needs them in his life in order to be successful. That is what is so beautiful about The Fighter. Ward lived (and is most likely still living) a life similar to everyone watching in the audience. He's a young guy with a dysfunctional family, and although the odds are against him, he has a dream, and he fights for that dream. Regardless of whether you like boxing or not, this movie is a must-see because of the family aspect, and because everyone in the audience will see a little of themselves in Micky Ward.
The performances of the four main actors were superb as well. Melissa Leo is completely believable as a mother who is trying to do well for her family, but makes several mistakes on the way. Although she loves all of her kids, it is obvious to the audience that she favors Dicky (Micky's older brother), which only makes Micky's dream harder to accomplish, while also giving Micky more drive.
Christian Bale, as Micky Ward's drug-addicted older brother and former boxer, is terrific as well. Dicky's pride from once fighting elite boxer Sugar Ray Leonard emanates from him, and he tries to instill the same confidence in Micky. Although he is now training Micky to be the next up-and-coming boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts, Dicky still dreams of having a come-back and being a successful boxer as well, but this dream is continually squashed because of his drug addictions. Overall, he does a terrific job portraying a guy who wants what is best for his brother, but at times lets his own problems overshadow the potential success of his brother.
Amy Adams also gives an above average performance as Charlene Fleming, a tough girl bartender and new girlfriend of Micky Ward. She plays a completely different character than her previous happy-go-lucky girlie girls, such as princess Giselle in 2007's charmer Enchanted and Julie Powell in 2009's Julie & Julia. And although her character is much different than the other cheery, naive characters she's portrayed, she's still completely believable. She sees right through Micky's family, and knows she has to fight for Ward in order for him to succeed, knowing that if he never lets go of his family, he won't succeed.
And last but not least, Mark Wahlberg gives an excellent performance portraying Micky Ward. Although he's quieter and way more soft-spoken than Dicky, he still wants his family to be there for him, and he still realizes that his dream is just as important as Dicky's. Mark Wahlberg shows this desire in Micky in a completely understated, subtle way, which only helps in making Wahlberg's portrayal of Ward even better.
And although some people may skip this movie because they believe it's just a typical sports movie, be aware that those people are making a mistake. This movie isn't just a typical sports movie; it has depth and character that other sports movies don't usually have. Because the movie focuses more on Ward's life in general, rather than just his life in the ring, The Fighter has more heart. The scenes with Micky and his brother Dicky do a wonderful job of showing the mutual love and respect the two so obviously have for each other. Micky loves and believes in his brother, drug-addicted or not. The scenes with Micky and his family in general are beautiful, because you see how much his family wants to do well for him, even if they unintentionally hold him back at times.
Overall, The Fighter is a worthy movie to see in the theater. It's well-paced, captivating, and just plain enjoyable to watch, from start to finish.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Upcoming review: 127 Hours
