'The Fighter' is a Winner!!

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2011)

Let me just begin by saying that this is an excellent movie that anyone can enjoy, because of its powerful acting and moving story-which is based on true events and characters. It follows the rise of Mickey Ward, a boxer who gets a shot at the title but who along the way encounters many obstacles, including his drug addicted, trouble making brother, and his controlling mother, as well as a lack of focus and confidence. He gets support from his girlfriend Charlene, who challenges him to be the best he can be. Mark Whalberg portrays Mickey and does so very well. It's his best performance. Amy Adams is very solid as Charlene, she's a great character and Adams is a very solid actress so it's a perfect fit.
This movie is an excellent boxing/sports movie, a terrific character drama, and deserves any and all awards it will probably win. But the secret weapon here is one man: Christian Bale as Dicky Edlund, Mickey's half brother who is now a washed up fighter. Bale has been a favorite actor of mine for years, and even after a slew of solid roles, he delivers his finest performance here. The arc is character undergoes is sensational. He takes an already perfect movie and elevates it to something truly special. He's already won the Critic's Choice and Golden Globe awards for it...give this man an Oscar already! Overall, terrific movie well worth seeing!!