Review of the movie THE FIGHTER

Last Thursday, I saw the new bio-pic/drama The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg (Micky Ward), Christian Bale (Dicky Eklund), Amy Adams (Charlene Fleming) and Melissa Leo (Alice Ward).  The movie is directed by David O’ Russell (Three Kings).  In theaters December 17, 2010.

The Fighter tells the story of boxers Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund.  They come from the hard streets of Lowell, MA.  In the movie, we see Dicky’s star has tragically fallen and Micky’s star has quickly risen.  Throw into the mix, their Mother/Manager Alice Ward, a real spitfire and scrappy woman. Melissa Leo has really hidden herself under the bad hair, makeup and clothes.  Check out Frozen River when you get a chance.  To round out this dysfunctional family is Jack McGee as the sweet, funny husband George Ward.  He was clearly my favorite.  Amy Adams holds her own as a tough bartender/girlfriend of Micky.  There is one scene where she is in a funny catfight with the Ward sisters.  Charlene is a very different role than her previous ones that gave her a chance to show her rough side.  My guest said this is the first movie he has really liked her in!  Props must be made to Amy for getting the accent SO right.

Mark Wahlberg helped get this movie made.  So not only was he the lead, but also acted as producer.  This is a personal story from him since the real family lived not too far from Mark and his family.  I enjoy the movies Mark has been in and this one is no exception.  He has helped put the suburbs of Boston on the map.  So has another local Bostonian, Ben Affleck.

Even though Mark had top billing, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Christian Bale.  He has transformed himself and fully embodied the characteristics of the real Dicky.  Stay for the credits to see footage of the real brothers.  I will be shocked and miffed if Christian doesn’t get an Oscar nomination.  He is one of our finest actors and is always up for a good challenge.  Raging Bull and Rocky were movies that influenced the director.  He gave the movie a right balance of drama, human, heart and soul.  Thankfully, there weren’t a whole lot of boxing scenes.  My recommendation is to see this film if you want to root for an underdog and see a good drama.  We need a new “Rocky” in the Oscar mix.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.  Check out  http://www.thefightermovie.com/