A Compelling True Story That Comes To Life On Screen

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2011)

After attending Alliance Films Canadian Premiere of David O. Russell's, The Fighter, I haven't been able to get the film out of my head. With great directing, outstanding performances, and a compelling story behind it, The Fighter was an excellent film. Already having tons of Oscar buzz going for it, The Fighter is a Holiday movie you do not want to miss. Sports Illustrated has labeled it as the best sports movie of all time (which is a great debate for any movie lovers) but regardless; this film has everything you need for an amazing sports media film.
The film is strong from start to finish thanks to brilliant acting, and unbelievable direction under David O. Russell. What performance to start with is difficult, but how about none other than the leading man (or so we thought) himself, Mark Whalberg. Plain and simple Whalberg delivers a strong performance as a character he usually plays, a gritty Boston native, only this time portrays the underdog Mickey Ward. He leads with confidence on screen, playing the sometimes frigid and sometimes confident Boston underdog. Whalberg's love interest in the film, Academy Award Nominee Amy Adams, delivered an incredible as Ward's tough yet loving girlfriend. Melissa Leo was outstanding as Ward's mother (Alice Ward) and really should have people taking notice of her incredible talent and performance on screen. She played her part to perfection, as the controlling mother/manager knowing what she thought was best for her son. Now for the man who stole the show from everyone, Christian Bale. At first the role of Dicky Eklund was offered to Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, when they both dropped out, Whalberg talked to O. Russell and made sure he put Bale in this film. The actor (who is considered to be the best actor out there without any nominations to his name) will blow you away with this incredible, and Oscar worthy performance. Bale has done what Ledger had done to him in Nolan's Dark Knight; steal the main characters film from right out of his hands. His mental and physical (which you will see in the film) preparation alone, is the definition of true method acting from an unbelievably talented actor. The actor pulled off what I think to be one of the best supporting roles in years and should definitely walk away with the award at this year's Golden Globes and Oscars.
The screenplay in this film, written by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy, was nothing short of spectacular. I think the dialogue in this film really made the movie believable and allowed for it to come alive on screen in a big way. This film is the best sports film to hit screens in the past couple years and is worthy of the entire Oscar buzz that has surrounded it. With O Russell's directing complementing such a raw and powerful script, this film has everything you need in a feel good sports film. The fighting scenes were incredibly well done and captivate to the edge of your seat, having you cheer by the end of the movie. O. Russell really mastered and captured the audience with his new age Rocky film.
I will give it the A+ it deserves as the acting; screenplay and amazing directing allow this compelling true story to truly come alive on screen. The film is nothing short of superb and in my opinion the new age Rocky we have all been waiting for. For a movie that took almost four years to make, juggling between different directors and actors during it's initial stages, Whalberg and his pal David O. Russell have pulled out an incredible movie worth the hectic and long wait. If there is one movie you should see this holiday season, The Fighter is it.