My Movie Review: “The Fighter”

Each sport has its share of movies made in its honor.  When you think of football you think “Rudy”, “Remember the Titans,” and “Friday Night Lights.”  Hockey; “Miracle”, “The Mighty Ducks,” and “Mystery Alaska.”  I can keep this up for a long time.

One sport that seems to have more than its share of movies is boxing.  I think this is because they are easier to make than other sports movies.  There is no team, no choreographed scenes including  more than two people, and the stories are often compelling.That is what makes Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale’s new film “The Fighter” great, the compelling story.  The film is based on the true story of “Irish” Micky Ward and his journey to the top.

Ward (Wahlberg) is an aging fighter who is trained by his older brother.  HIs brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) was a once promising fighter who lives in his glory days when he “knocked down” “Sugar” Ray Leonard.  (It is debated if he actually knocked him down, other feel Leonard slipped, judge for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu6A2EDSg2o)

Despite Ward’s talent he is often held back by his family.  Eklund is a cocaine addict who is often late for training and constantly in trouble.  Ward’s mother Alice Eklund (Melissa Leo) is an overbearing figure who tends to hinder Ward and enable his brother, ignoring his drug addiction.

The film is a great look into issues such as co-dependency and taking charge of your own life.  Ward constantly allows his mother and brother to dictate his career decisions.  Those decisions are selfish exploits of his family who often guilt Ward into sticking by their side.

Bale does a great job as Dicky Eklund.  Bale is known for preping his body for roles, losing or gaining weight accordingly.  This film requires him to look skinny due to drugs and he pulls it off great.  Wahlberg’s performance is nothing spectacular, as his character is not that dynamic.  If the film is accurate I would imagine Ward as being reserved and only two-dimensional as he is always answering to his family.

I thought the movies was also a great look into selflessness vs. selfishness.  Is it good to be selfless? Yes.  But we live short lives on this earth and if you don’t take advantage of every opportunity presented to yourself then you may end up living in regret.  Long story short, get yours.

I recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in it.  Go see it and enjoy! 4 out of 5 stars.

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