Stay Off The Ropes!!!

Rating: 9/10 (13 April 2011)

When someone mentions a boxing movie, what titles spring to mind? ROCKY is probably the first, some would say RAGING BULL (though I think it's overrated), and hopefully some day THE FIGHTER will come to everyone's mind. In many ways, it's not just another boxing movie. Sure there are scenes of Mark Wahlberg boxing, but a larger portion of the movie focuses on the strained relationships between his character and his mixed up family. The dynamics between Wahlberg and Christian Bale are believable to anyone who's had a sibling. Recently, I saw 127 Hours which (to date) featured the best performance of James Franco. And in both cases, I found myself asking the same question: What does it take for James Franco or Mark Wahlberg to get an Oscar? In both cases, here are two fine actors who have gone out there, played loads of roles over the years, and yet when Oscar time comes around, they're mostly forgotten. Thankfully, both were noticed this year, but why did it take so long? Watching Mark Wahlberg in THE FIGHTER, one can't help but feel for his character who's had to live in the shadow of his older brother. Their mother treats the older brother like royalty, despite the fact he's a drug-addicted has-been. When Mark finally decides to break away from the family and strike out on his own, you want to see him overcome the bitterness and scorn. So, even though the movie is a boxing movie, the real fighting comes between Mark and his family. The struggle to break free to live your life is definitely worth fighting for.