Critically acclaimed, worn out story with good performances

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2011)

I have nothing against Boxing films. In fact I adore boxing films. The Fighter was heralded nearly immediately for everything from the performances to the story to the film making and I do understand why and then at the same time I felt like aspects of it were way over-rated. This is not a new story by any means. This story has been done, some better and some worse and it really doesn't add anything to be unique. It takes gratuitous bad language to a whole new level which also doesn't bother me unless it gets way over-used and it does. It is still the Rocky story of the underdog fighting his way to the top and winning against odds only add in the drug abuser brother, the overbearing mother and the fact that this was 'based on a true story.' I'm not saying its a bad film, but I am saying that the two lead roles (more one than the other) save this film from being drivel and make it worth seeing just for those performances.
Mark Wahlberg is a solid star in Hollywood now and I have seen him in some great films and I have seen him in so-so films. Sometimes he chooses right. This role is right for him. I don't think it required a ton of acting as he plays the athletic up and comer Micky Ward. Wahlberg gives an emotional and realistic portrayal and would be the best performance if not for that of his co-star. Just when I think I dislike Christian Bale and that he is becoming the ego maniacal, over-rated actor of people like Sean Penn he turns in a brilliant performance. Ironically it always seems to be when he loses a ton of weight and looks lethargic (The Mechanic is a must see indie-gem of his.) In this film he plays washed up boxer and heavy drug abuser Dick Eklund. He is breath taking in his role and if they were going to give Oscars for this film anyway his winning one is testament to how great he was. He steals this movie and turns a 4/10 into a 7/10 just on his own. On the flip side Melissa Leo in her constantly heralded role as Wahlberg and Bale's mother Alice should go down as one of the most over-rated performances in history. I didn't think she was impressive at all and I didn't think she even showed up in the film that much. Amy Adams gives a great performance (far better than Leo's Oscar winning role) as Wahlberg's love interest. She shows a flare for emotional dramatic performance in her character. Character actor Jack McGee is also solid in his role as well considering how small it is. He is always terrific.
This film is why myself, and other movie goers like me are becoming so disenchanted with Oscars and Awards like that. This film is okay, its good even and as I said there are some truly outstanding performances BUT the film itself is not that great. Reviewers and critics constantly complain about films being stereotypical, predictable and re-hashing old genre elements and The Fighter does that. But because its based on reality, features heavy hitters (no pun intended) whom Hollywood loves, and directed by David Russell who likes to play to indie critics they all showered it with praise. Watch it and enjoy it especially if you like boxing films and watch Bale's amazing performance and be ready to here and see more white trash than an episode of Trailer Park Boys and you'll probably enjoy it but its not the best film to ever come out of La-La Land by any means. 7/10