The Fighter serves as an entertaining, feel good film

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2010)

Every once in a while a movie comes along that exceeds my expectations so far my jaw actually drops. The Fighter is one of those films. I must say I am not a fan of boxing or any of the actors in this film except Amy Adams, but I loved this movie. The Fighter is the true story of Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a boxer who was taught everything by his younger brother Dicky (Christian Bale.) Now, I must point something out before you go see this film. What I must point out is that if you are grossed out by unnaturally skinny people, do not see this movie. Bale lost a ton of weight for his role and is now close to an anorexic's weight (just a couple more pounds to lose and he'll be there.) That being said, everyone, including Wahlberg, Bale, Adams, and Melissa Leo turn in excellent performances. The film's a bit slow at times, juggling the romance between Wahlberg and Adams and Wahlberg's boxing career quite heavy handedly. Most times heavy handedness would be a bad thing, but this time it's a good thing if, like myself, you don't mind it. This film is not for everybody, but if you like well made films and don't mind skinny people or a bit slow of a movie, then go see The Fighter because it will satisfy you.