The Fighter (2010)

This was released by Closest to the Hole Productions and is the story of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) unlikely rise to the world light-welter weight title.

This is a real life story of a Rocky-like rise, a rise that is shepherded by Micky's half brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) who is a boxer turned trainer. This is a surprisingly well done film that wasn't what I expected. The film really is largely about the relationship between Dicky and Micky. At the beginning of the film you can't tell if Dicky is using Micky to try and regain traction on his own career (And the rest of the family as well. Wow, that mother is really something.) or if he is really trying to train Micky to help Micky.

When Dicky's drug problems catch up with him Micky begins to train with Mickey O'Keefe (who plays himself), he gets a new Manager/Promoter and really starts to make something of himself. He also has a new girlfriend named Charlene Flemming (Amy Adams) who helps him be confident in himself. When Dicky gets out of prison there is an interesting and tense showdown that really defines Micky and Dicky for the rest of the movie.

Mark Wahlberg is great in this movie, but he has to be since the movie is about Micky's rise. The even better performances though are turned in by Christian Bale and Amy Adams, they are both truly amazing. This is really a strikingly different role for Bale as compared to his recent role as Batman and requires a complete transformation. It was hard to believe the weight he lost and just how well he portrays a drug addict, down to the mannerisms. Amy Adams is truly compelling and you feel for her every time she cries.

Again, going into this film I had heard a lot about how good it was but hadn't read much about the plot. It wasn't what I expected based on the title but I was very pleasantly surprised. Between this, Black Swan, The King's Speech and True Grit I really can't remember when I have seen 4 such good movies in such a short span of time.

This film was rated R and isn't for everyone but if you want to see a compelling true life tale then forget the rating and watch the film. 3 1/2 out of 4 stars.