Quick Movie Review: The Fighter (2010)

The Fighter (2010)

Bottomline: Eminently solid film punctuated by odd moments of boredom.


Where Can I See This Oscar-Nominated Film? It is playing in theaters.

Isn’t Christian Bale that jerk? Yes, apparently Christian has quite the temper, but he is also one whale of an actor. Some movies to check out: Public Enemies (2009), Terminator Salvation (2009), 3:10 to Yuma (2007), Batman Begins (2005), Reign of Fire (2002), Empire of the Sun (1987).

Who is Melissa Leo? Terrific actress. If you want to see her doing some of her best work, check out Frozen River (2008).

QMR Opinion: Based on the true story of boxer Mickey Ward of Lowell, Mass., The Fighter shows in gritty detail how Ward, extremely underplayed by Mark Wahlberg, works to get his shot as a big-time boxer. Two of his biggest hurdles are his mother, played by Melissa Leo, who is terrific, and his crack-addicted brother, Dickie Eklund, phenomenally played by Christian Bale. Amy Adams does a good job as Ward’s girlfriend, Charlene. Director David O. Russell directs this film fairly straightforward. It’s a boxing movie focusing on a boxer who has to work extra hard from down and out conditions. The movie never drew me in totally. There were moments where the film is just downright good. But then there are moments, mainly when Wahlberg is on screen, that it is just downright boring. There are even one or two classic training montages – I swear, just like the Rocky movies. Make no mistake, this is absolutely Bale’s movie and he is absolutely worth every minute he is on screen. His portrayal of Eklund is masterful and is the primary reason to see this movie.