The Fighter

I had the urge for something epic last night.  Considered the usual Gladiator, Braveheart, Patriot etc but ended up settling on a second viewing of The Fighter.  I really enjoyed it the first time and the second was great as well getting to focus a little more on the performances rather than the story.

Christian Bale is just simply incredible in this movie.   If you didn't know he was an actor you would just believe without hesitation he was an ex-boxer crack addict.   How the hell does he transform from Batman into Dicky?   It has to be one of the top 10 performances of all time.  (Hmmm that will be an interesting post to do... will come back to that one).  Bale is now up there with the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis in my opinion. A complete method actor.

I don't want to take too much away from Mark Wahlberg though.  He gives a great performance as well but I never see him transform into someone else.  He's always cast in similar roles and plays them well, but there's no WOW factor.  The rest of the supporting cast are fantastic as well...  Love the hair on some of those feral sisters.

Boxing movies, like any others focused on sports, tend to follow the usual pattern of hardship and triumph.  I find if it's done well though it never feels old.  It's great to be inspired and when they land that final punch, kick that last goal or sink that last ball to win the big match you're left with a big smile on your face and warm fuzzies.   This is done to perfection in The Fighter especially since Mickey is such a likable guy and is based on a true story.  The movie feels raw and real.

I believe Mark Wahlberg worked his ass of to get the producers on board (including himself) and get the film made.  Bloody legend the result is a very entertaining and inspiring couple of hours.   Check it out if you haven't already and prepare to blown away by Dicky :)  If you enjoy I recommend the movie Warrior as well released 2011. 

Oh - I love the fact they show the real guys at the end.  Crazy looking bastards, haha.

9/10

IMDB Info