The Fighter 2010
This is a kind of typical boxing movie, based on a true story, but so similar to Rocky that it is almost a remake. The Fighter is a better movie in most ways, with a stronger cast, better characters, and generally better everything. But it is also a more subtle movie without the triumph and stirring soundtrack of Rocky. Instead this is more of a workingman boxer who finds some success in the ring and in life, in the same way as Mark Wahlberg’s 2006 portrayal of the nearly anonymous Philadelphia Eagle, Vince Papale, did in Invincible.
There are good characters here, including Mickey Ward, played by Wahlberg, a good boxer whose time to either make it or find other work has come. He is overshadowed by his older brother (Christian Bale), who did well, fighting against Sugar Ray Leonard, before crumbling to alcohol, drugs, and crime. The movie has a lot of fun with 80’s fashions and the big hair of Ward’s working class parents and sisters, who might be based on the Saturday Night Live sketch, Bronx Beat, therefore kind of funny, kind of obnoxious, not entirely real.
In the end, while this is a good story with some good characters, it just wasn’t as moving as Rocky or some other sports movies. It is hard to do a formula movie like this and bring nuance to it while still maintaining the giant sports spectacle that makes people cheer.
The DVD extras are good, particularly showing some of the real life characters and giving you an idea of how well Christian Bale was able to capture his character’s spirit. There are also hints of a sequel portraying some of Mickey Ward’s biggest fights which came after the events of this movie.
Written: 18 Dec 2011
Owned on: Digital