Good, but tough to watch

Rating: 8/10 (26 April 2009)

Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke) is a burnt out top pro-wrestler, has a heart attack, but still wants to compete one last time.
I guess Thomas Wolfe may not have been entirely correct. You can go home again if you are either a top pro wrestler or a Class A actor who hasn't acted in years. This story is about both the wrestler and the actor (in my mind only) and the road has not been easy for either one.
This is tough to watch because we are probably privy to the way pro wrestling really works and it is brutal. I had to avert my eyes with some scenes. Yes, I know about movie magic, but hey, it was rough. I figured I either had to be in shape to watch this or be somewhat crazy. Say what you will about pro wrestling, but these guys are in shape. No doubt about that. And, some of the things they do won't be shown on television -- not that I watch.
The problem for me was that I couldn't separate the wrestler from the actor. I want both to succeed. It was personal for Mr. Rourke and that wasn't all acting the way I saw it. And, that being the case I would not have nominated him for Best Actor. When it's personal, it's real.
The story was good. There is a good mix of The Ram taking part time jobs to help with the bills, and trying to get back with the daughter he abandoned years ago; and he takes up with Stripper Pam (Tormei).
The production is good, and the pace is excellent. It's a good story.
Were The Wrestler and the Actor able to go home again? Ah, you think you know the answer about the Wrestler, because you may have seen the movie. We'll have to see what Mr. Rourke comes up with next to see if he made it home.
Violence: Yes. Sex: Yes, quite clear too. Nudity: Yes, quite clear too. Language: Yes, but not much