Who Says Wrestling's Fake??

Rating: 8/10 (23 March 2009)

You're either one of three types of people: 1). You're the type who tune in from time to time and watch the WWE or/& TNA Wrestling when it's on TV (via a regular network) maybe because there's nothing on better. 2). You're the type who's a fan; from watching it religiously, to ordering their PPV's (Pay Per Views) and buying its merchandise. 3). You're the type of person who turns the channel whenever it comes on; you have no interest in watching it for whatever reason. Well I can honestly say that "The Wrestler" is something worth watching for whatever type you are.
The story is centered around (Randy 'The Ram' Robinson) an aging wrestler played convincingly by Mickey Rourke, whose career and body is whining down and he's trying to sort all his affairs as well as make peace with his estranged daughter (Stephanie Robinson) played by the beautiful Evan Rachel Wood. You'll also find the talented and diverse Marisa Tomei in this movie as somewhat of a reluctant love interest also at a crossroads in her life much like Mickey Rourke's character but in her case she's an aging stripper known as (Cassidy).
"The Wrestler" was done in such a manner that though it was done for entertaining purposes you can't help but get a sense that it has a documentary feel to it. This ain't your Hulk Hogan's somewhat campy "No Holds Barred" from back in 1989, instead (Director) Darren Aronofsky and (Writer) Robert D. Siegel flip the script and give you brutal, honest, behind the scenes look at how wrestlers live their life for the moment for their fans whether it's at packed coliseums or an almost empty bingo hall. The movie shows that though the wrestling is rehearsed and the outcomes are predetermined, there's nothing fake about some of the risks they take like taking a shot to the head with a chair. Furthermore the movie not only goes into the lengths these entertainers/athletes go to for their fans in the ring but also what they subject themselves through on outside as well; some resorting to the use of steroids (or similar products) in order to stay and maintain their shape while others have to maintain a 9-5 job to pay for expenses/living since there's no money to be made unless you're on a large platform like a WWE or TNA.
(Spoiler Alert) My only Nock or Con on "The Wrestler" is in it's ending. After having sat through almost 2 hrs and finding myself completely caught up in the movie as well as it's characters... but later as the credits rolled I couldn't help but feel a bit cheated of an ending. Confused??Well then let me put it to you this way... it was "The Sopranos" all over again.
In conclusion "The Wrestler" was as good of a movie as they come minus the last fews seconds. Mickey Rourke was endearing and it sure was one of his best performances. I definitely enjoyed, would recommend and would watch it all over again. Wonder what'll be added to the DVD version. I hope this post was of some help and use. Enjoy.