The Fighter (2010)

    

   "The Fighter" is independent director David O. Russell's new film, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams.  Since it's release last Friday, "The Fighter" has scored a lot of points with the critics and the viewers.  Getting six Golden Globe nominations is no easy feat.  But being nominated and actually having a chance are two completely different things.                

      "The Fighter", contrary to common belief, is not a film about boxing.  This is truly a film about brothers and family.  Micky Ward, played by Wahlberg, is a street paver who is striving to become a professional boxer.  He plans to do this by enlisting the help of his mother and brother.  His older brother Dickie (Bale), who is an ex boxing star is going to help him make it to the top.  The problem is that Dickie is never there for Micky.  He is always off somewhere getting high.  Dickie's drug problems, in combination with Micky's overbearing mother, are causing him to lose all of his matches.  Not until Micky meets Charlene (Adams), does he open his eyes and realize this.  "The Fighter" is ultimately about Micky's struggle to keep his family and friends while still achieving his dreams of boxing.

        This film is an inspiring story about being torn between two loves to which anyone can relate.  From round one you are sucked in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts and befriend everyone in the town.  You feel like you are part of the gang.  This feeling can be attributed to the fact that this movie has first class acting from Wahlberg, Bale, and Melissa Leo, who plays their mother.  While Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale are both nominated for Golden Globes, Bale's win is the only certainty at this point.  Christian Bale's character of a crack-addict older brother is very convincing and moving throughout the whole film.  Bale, normally disliked by MoviesPig, has redeemed himself in the role of his career.  Though Wahlberg's performance was good, he has not completely reached the point in his career where he will be respected as a serious actor.  Perhaps in his next performance he will receive the recognition he deserves.  

      Just because the movie is not about boxing, does not mean the movie does not contain boxing.  The fighting matches will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Micky.  As for the cinematography, it is perfectly balanced between stylized and static, as to not overpower or underemphasize the subject matter.  Overall, "The Fighter" deserves all the credit it has received thus far and more.  This film is funny, heartwarming, and exciting throughout.  It is definitely one of this year's top five. 

ACTING: 10

                                                                    STORY: 10 

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

                                                              ORIGINALITY: 8

REPLAY VALUE: 9

                                                       OVERALL RATING: 9/10