The Wrestler is easily one of the best films of 2008....

Rating: 10/10 (27 February 2009)

The Wrestler is easily one of the best films of 2008 and it's a shame that this movie hasn't received more attention since it's release, but at least the two big players in this film, Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei have each been awarded Oscar nominations. Tomei never seems to age. She may be even more attractive now than she was 17 years ago in My Cousin Vinny. But what I like about her is that she not only has a smoking hot bod, but she has genuine acting ability which seems to be a rare combination in this day and age. And about Rourke's performance.....wow. Simply legendary. I was personally heartbroken when Sean Penn beat him out for Best Actor at the Academy Awards (although, to be fair, I have yet to see Penn's performance in Milk). Rourke seemed to tell his own life story through his character, a story of crushing loneliness and imperceptible despair. With each scene, the viewer establishes a deeper personal connection with Randy "The Ram" Robinson and we can't help but cheer him on as he tries to find love anywhere he can find it. Darren Aronofsky sets the scenes up very well and the costumes, makeup, and soundtrack give an even deeper since of realism (I nearly burst into tears when GNR's "Sweet Child O' Mine" began to play). The numerous graphic scenes mean that this movie is not for everyone, and the filming is done in a shaky, documentary-style that won't appeal to some people, but if this movie's intent is to show life in all its glory and brutality, then mission accomplished.