Bravo Christian Bale!

Rating: 9/10 (17 July 2011)

Mark Whalberg and Christian Bale are The Fighters, in The Fighter. What I like about the title is that you're not sure who its meant for, because both Micky(Whalberg) and Dicky(Bale) are fighters. I know its a simple observation, but whatever.
The film tells the true story of Micky Ward, an aspiring boxer, and his crack head stepbrother, Dicky Eklund, who is his trainer. Once Mickey meets Charlene(Amy Adams) and Dicky goes to jail, Mickey rises. But once Dicky gets out of jail, there is a lot of family problems. Actually, there's a lot of family problems while he's in jail too.
The academy really took Christian Bale for granted for way too long. Ever since American psycho, which I think is his best performance. His work here is pure brilliance. Thats one of the great things about Bale: He puts a lot of effort into every single one of his roles, like Daniel Day Lewis. Oscar well deserved.
The rest of the actors are all great. Melissa Leo is great in her Oscar winning role as Micky's stepmother. Though the film isn't as good as Raging Bull, Million Dollar baby, or The Wrestler, The Fighter is a heartfelt and wonderful film about family. Thats really what its all about. One of the best films of last year. Congratulations, Christian Bale. You're the best thing about this film.
A-