Summary: Based on the true story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his older brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Dicky was on his way to boxing super stardom after fighting Sugar Ray Leonard but soon developed a drug addict. Micky tries to make a name for himself in boxing with his brother training him and his mother managing him.\r
Review: Films about boxing have had every possible plot line punched out of it. Can audiences ever get worked up Hollywood boxing matches like they once did for Rambo? Most would have bet money that it was impossible, which partly could be why it took so long for The Fighter to get off the ground. Nonetheless, The Fighter is a powerful film, less about the ring and more about family. Wahlberg and Bale as brothers with a love-hate relationship give a stellar performance. In many ways, it seems like it was the role they were both born to play. Bale especially, who plays a drug addict, had a particular fever in his eyes, almost feeling like he was in a reality show versus on a movie set. He is funny, sad but still with some humanity.\r
The supporting cast is just as strong. Amy Adams plays Wahlberg's girlfriend, a far cry from the polished pretty girls she's paid in the past. By toning the glam down she proved she isn't a one-note actor. But, the queen of the pack is Melissa Leo -- manic, loud, mother of eight kids and I can’t see anyone else but her winning best supporting actress at the Oscar.\r
The Fighter is a total knock out. Directed by David O. Russell, it’s a down to earth cinematic experience and not like the “stuffy” films that you might think only Oscar voters would be interested in.\r
The Fighter is in theaters now.