Massachusetts favorite son Mark Wahlberg waited five years and worked through three different director changes, in order to bring the story of another Mass man to the silver screen. And his determination to bring this true story to Hollywood payed off in a big way.
Marky Mark plays Mickey Ward, a Lowell native and boxing champ. The story of his overdue rise to boxing stardom is a great sports story in its own, but it is not the focus of this film. The story revolves around Ward's relationship with his family.Mickey's loyalty to his family has caused problems for his boxing career. He has trouble finding good fights as he allows his mother to manage him, and is constantly under the shadow of his brother Dickey (played by Christian Bale) a boxer himself who's career has made him a local hero. When the chance to advance his career comes, Ward finds himself having to choose between family and opportunity. It's not a ground breaking story but enjoyable to watch, and made all the better once you are reminded that it is a true story.
All the characters are brilliantly played. Highlighted by Christian Bale playing the crack addicted Dicky Eklund. I saw this film with my father and he was shocked when I told him that Dickey was played by the Goddamn Batman, he figured they found a real crack head to play the part. Now crack addition is a very serious subject, but don't tell the films director David O. Russell this. Every time Dickey was high on screen all you could do was laugh.
Bale, Wahlberg and Melissa Leo who plays the brother's mother have earned Golden Globe nominations for 'The Fighter', and deservedly so. Maybe less so for Wahlberg who has played the same Boston working class character several times in the past, but I promise there were only two instances where the words "say hi to your mother for me" popped into my head.
If your the kind of person who gives a s*** about cinematography, I'll tell you there's nothing special here. Actually sometimes the lighting was distracting to me, but nothing Joe Average Viewer would care about. The boxing action is gritty and well paced, and just in case you were wondering, yes there is one training montage.
I laughed (and you will too especially if you know any Mass resident who lives just north of Boston
I got a little choked up (but this is far from a guy cry film)
I felt a little inspired by the determination and loyalty of Mickey Ward
I loved the characters (even when I wished I could reach through the screen and punch them in the face, witch happened a lot)
Over all a very enjoyable night at the movies.
I'm still working on a rating system so until I have one you will have to settle with this: I highly recommend this film for any audience. Unless your under 17, it is rated R... But if you are under 17 get a parent/guardian to take you you will enjoy it. And I would never suggest you go with out your parent or guardian... that would be wrong.... ya
~ The Fighter is rated 'R' for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality
... wait sexuality??? oh ya there was this scene where Dickey was trying to make some money for Mickey so he can train year round... I laughed my ass off, although looking back I think that it was suppose to be a serious and dramatic scene... oh Christian Bale, you so funny when your coked out of you mind.
