A bit disappointed.

Rating: 6/10 (21 January 2009)

I was a little disappointed with this movie to say the very least. Based on Golden Globe Nominations & wins, also exacerbated by general hype, this movie didn't really meet my expectations. Saying that, I do feel that director Darren Aronofsky and the cast, especially Mickey Rourke, created a very raw and real drama, following aging and tired wrestler, 'Randy the Ram' through struggles, financial, personal and health wise. The film is very 'rough around the edges' and far from a fairytale, and unfortunately walked out feeling unfulfilled and uninspired, despite the film's attempts at implanting a message into viewers. I knew what I was going to get, seeing as this movie is about a wrestler, but I felt much of the blood and gore in the film was quite unnecessary, delving into details that the audience just doesn't need to see. I personally would have liked more of a focus on the relationship behind Randy and his daughter, played by Rachel Evan Wood, who for such a believable performance was very underused. I felt it very hard to feel for Randy's character after such a brief depiction of their connection. Overall, this movie was too detailed in parts I didn't want it to be in and not detailed enough in parts I really wanted to care about. However, I am sure that many people would enjoy this film and Rourke was very deserving of his Golden Globe Award.