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| Movie Review: The Fighter Alternate Title: Oh Brother, What Art Thou?
Story: Thoroughly predictable
and totally entertaining. This film fits snugly in the boxing genre
theme that Hollywood loves. You know the drill -- the underdog who tries
to get one last chance at a title combined with the woman who believes
in him, a family who drags him down and the use of boxing as a symbol
for many of life's hardships. This film is a knockout. Kudos to director
David O. Russell (Three Kings) and writers
Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson.
What makes this film stand out from other boxing
movies is fighter Micky Ward's dysfunctional family.
You will rub your eyes in disbelief when you see where Micky comes from.
There are scenes that make you laugh and at the same time make you feel
uncomfortable around such nuttiness. Micky's mother, seven sisters and
crazy brother give trailer trash a new avatar. The story of Micky's quest for a shot at a welterweight
title involves his overbearing ex-boxer, crack addicted brother as trainer
and how Micky is finally able to get out from under his family's grip
to move on with his life. Or can he actually do that? This is a character driven film - characters
that are fascinating to watch regardless of their flaws. The combination
of an extremely strong cast, a true life tale and people to root for
gives this film a shot at a number of awards come this season. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwv7kT9P0mg Acting: Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward brought this film
to the big screen and he does a terrific job in his title role. Christian
Bale as his brother Dicky Eklund, does what he does best. He
chews up the screen with his riveting performance. Bravo. Amy
Adams as Charlene Fleming finally goes against type and does
a fine job the his Micky's girlfriend. Melissa Leo
as Alice Ward is nothing short of phenomenal. The rest of the cast is
outstanding. Trivia: Mickey O'Keefe is a sergeant for the Lowell
Police Department in Massachusetts. In real life, he was the mentor
of "Irish" Mickey Ward of Lowell during his prolific boxing
career and his eventual downfall. O'Keefe portrays himself in the 2010
film
Predilection: I like Mark Wahlberg.
Critters: None
Food: Some meat and potatoes and a birthday cake.
Blatant Product Placement: Lots and lots of Budweiser
Soundtrack: Terrific.
Opening Titles: An opening sequence that pulls you
immediately into the film. Other than the title all credits are at the
end. Stay for the credits and get to see the real life brothers.
Visual Art: Not much to look at in Lowell, MA.
Theater Audience: It was crowded considering it was
for a 10:30 AM show on a Tuesday morning. However, it is the only theater
in Manhattan that it is playing.
Weather: Inconsequential.
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I was entertained throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I think so, indeed.
Big screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9 |