Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors. I love watching his movies. From ambitious beginnings with "Empire of the Sun" to heroic performances as the Dark Knight, Bale continuously blows me away with his acting. I hear the guy is a "douche" in real life and perhaps that is true. I simply could care less. He is the one of the most underrated actors in the world today. That, however; is about to change with his portrayal of Dickie Eklund, a crack addicted, ex-professional boxer, who is the brother of "Irish" Mickey Ward, a boxing legend. Bale won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and the news on the wire has him as a lock for an Oscar nomination in the same category. With that said, I would be surprised if he didn't win the Oscar as well.
The movie itself is a gem and after completely kissing Bale's "can" in the previous paragraph, I must add that he wasn't alone in acting superiority. Mark Whalberg's played Irish Mickey perfectly and Amy Adams followed suit with an Oscar worthy performance as Mickey's girlfriend, Charlene. And it would be a crime to fail mention Melissa Leo playing Alice Ward, Mickey's mother. Leo also won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
The story itself is a riot. Mickey being next in line to bring boxing glory to the family and Dickie being the brother who first brought them notoriety by fighting in the ring and supposedly knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard. Mickey as the next in line is some how caught up in the shadow of his older half brother who is also his trainer. His mother Alice is his manager. The combination of brother and mother in his corner bring Mickey nothing short of getting his "can" kicked continually. To say the family holistically is enmeshed is the understatement of the year.
With all of the family "drama" aside, Mickey is actually a gifted fighter know for his patience, body shot power, and heart in the ring. With the help of Charlene, his father, and other people in his corner, Mickey is able to make a unprecedented climb through the welter-weight ranks and become a champion despite his families glaring dysfunctions.
Look people! This movie, in my opinion, is easily the best of the year. The Fighter is my choice for Best Picture at any award ceremony. The acting is far better than any movie I have seen this year. The story has heart and it may give the dying sport of boxing a boost for the year to come. My forecast predicts at least three Academy Awards. Best Film and Best Supporting Actor among the three.
Recommendations: This movie is a must see for any adult. It is also a must see for any fan of fighting, boxing/MMA in particular, whatever your preference! Don't take your kids to this movie. You are stupid if you do. They couldn't possibly appreciate this movie, nor understand its premise. It is the best movie of the year hands down so enjoy!
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