Fighting talk with Bale & Wahlberg

Rating: 7/10 (8 January 2014)

Boxing movies are one of the few sports that seem to have a genre that works on screen. It's one on one there's drama, and it can all change in a split second, so suits the medium. Most of the films are poor but entertaining, but there have been a few gems which includes the majestic 'Raging Bull'.
This isn't 'Ranging Bull' but we have here a biopic on the rise of an American blue collar boxer called Micky Ward. He is hampered in his rise by this dysfunctional family which has a stranglehold on his career. A dominant matriarch who is out of her depth in managing his career, a half-brother who is a former boxer and now his trainer but is addicted to crack and so on. Seems like there is no hope but there is.
Anyhow, the family action is what really creates this movie. None of the over sentimental drivel you get in other movies but you will have a good overview of the life of this family that lives off of Micky Ward, and seems to be flogging him in the cruel world of boxing. They love and want what's best for him but aren't the best equipped, eschewing outside help.
Micky's battle is to make change for his career and for the best of his family.
With this kind of film, it's the acting that matters, and the 3-4 main leads are exceptionally good. Wahlberg is quietly effective but strong as Mickey, Bale & Leo are excellent as the half-brother and mother respectively, whilst Amy Adams as the girlfriend is very effective.
However, one problem is that to condense the story & life into this film, the director seems to have sadly relied on caricature for many characters (even some of the leads) and this devalues the film which is a shame. The film can be quite demeaning to blue-collar working people, but I don't think that was its intention. They should have revised parts of the script I think.
The boxing scenes are very good too without needing to resort to being Rocky. They're fine and exciting.
This is an intelligent move, and enjoyable. There have been far better. Some may find aspects uncomfortable, but as a sports movie it is very good. Despite some heavy themes, it is a feel good movie for adults and you will feel great after watching this.