The Fighter

In my quest to see lots of movies before baby....

The Fighter (R, 115min)

This film is based on the real life boxing brothers Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and Dick Eklund (Christian Bale). We follow Micky's rise to boxing fame and Dick's struggle. Along the way, we meet their seven sisters and one crazy momma...all with fabulous 1990's hair and clothing (wow, did we really dress like that?).

The story is compelling. I didn't know anything about the story going in, so I was engaged and interested in what the outcome would be. The production design was accurate...as it was filmed in the actual town it is set including the boxing gym. I can't say that I like watching boxing but the fight scenes are filmed well and tastefully.

But the highlight of the film is the acting. Christian Bale is amazing. His physical transformation into his character is stunning and allows the rest of the character to flow out seemingly effortlessly (he has this talent in all his roles). Mark Walhberg is Mark Walhberg, nothing out of the ordinary for him but it fits the role well. Amy Adams, playing Micky's love interest, is outstanding as well. She plays and feels like a real person. Finally, Melissa Leo as the managerial mother is fantastic.

I would recommend it....it is not something that you have to see on the big screen but it is a good one.