The Fighter

I really like The Fighter. However, I would appreciate if director David O. Russell would relinquish command over whatever remote control he has that turns Mark Wahlberg into an actor.

The Fighter is the true story of struggling boxer Micky Ward trying to overcome a series of losses. Added to this is the pressure of his overbearing mother Alice (Melissa Leo) and former boxer turned crackhead brother Dicky (Christian Bale) as his unlikely manager/trainer combination. While Micky's family seem only to care about living vicariously through him, Micky finds refuge with a lonely bartender named Charlene (Amy Adams) who wants only what's best for him.

Bale's Dicky Eklund is a local boxing legend whose claim to fame was knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard. Now he is addicted to crack, and relives his former glory through his younger brother, and a film crew that follows him around documenting Dicky's supposed comeback. Bale deservedly won the supporting actor oscar for this role. Watching the interview with the real Dicky during the credits show just why. His channeling of Eklund has him absolutely chewing the scenery in a very good way.

Melissa Leo, also in an oscar winning performance as Alice, is a classic stage mother. She wants nothing more than for Micky to succeed, but she is oblivious to Micky's feelings on the matter. Alice seems to see Micky as a way to regain the lost glory of the failed Dicky. Jack McGee, as Micky's father George Ward is the only one who seems to care what Micky wants, and has the job of keeping at bay Alice, and the gaggle Micky's sisters and half sisters, (who could easily star in their own spinoff horror film) who steal every scene they are in, and can even manage to draw your eye from the enigmatic Bale.

The whole cast of characters in this film is fully realized, and their struggles are relatable. When Micky starts to win fights, you will root for him. You will be angry when his career is put in jeopardy by the actions of the police, and you will be ecstatic when the final match between Ward and O'Neary comes to a climax.

The Fighter also has a great look. The boxing scenes are shot in digital to give that 'ESPN look', and some of the shots really put you into the action. The use of shaky cam, and a loud rock'n'roll soundtrack really gives the film a great feel. Moments between Micky and Charlene are softly lit, with slow sweeping camera work to provide us the relief that Micky feels with her, and of being away from the chaos of family. But it's the family moments that make this movie. In the end, Micky and Dicky needed each other. And they both wound up on top. It's about the strain of family and relationships, and how they have the power to hurt us, or heal us.

David O. Russell's finest film, The Fighter also has what could be the finest performances yet by Bale, Whalberg, Adams and Leo. It is a finely crafted, acted, and shot movie that was surely one of 2010's best.

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