Agree or disagree with my review of THE FIGHTER?

Bogart will always have Paris, ‘n Irish Micky Ward will ALWAYS have London, November 3, 2000, when the Lowell, Mass. journeyman/road-paver wrecked home-town favorite Shea Neary, winning the WBU 140-pound crown, spiking the blood pressure of fight fans ‘round the globe.

As Churchill might’ve said, it was Ward’s finest hour; though boxing purists feel it heresy that his epic wars with Arturo Gatti are overlooked in THE FIGHTER; director David O. Russell’s tight lens on Ward’s scabrous relationship with his glass-on-a-blackboard family ‘n brutal slog to be champion.

To satisfy gym rats, there’s not enough money in the treasury to cover parking for a movie that long, ‘n a History Channel documentary doesn’t sell tickets.

THE FIGHTER is no more a niche picture for boxing fans than RAGING BULL. It’s a fiercely compelling 115-minute labor of love, with a brilliant ensemble cast etching indelible characters striking sparks. Capra characters they’re not, ‘n Lowell’s not Bedford Falls.

Mark Wahlberg, at the heart, as Micky Ward -- sans goatee -- has the mien, the muscles and Micky’s trademark fight-ending left hooks to the head and liver.

When ya wanna shout, “COME ON, MICKY! PUNCH BACK! DON’T LET’EM HITYA LIKE THAT,” it’s because Wahlberg’s agonized everyman makes ya wanna root for him.

Christian Bale’s mercurial turn as Dicky Eckland, Micky’s delusional older step brother/come trainer, is an operatic tour de force. Melissa Leo doesn’t shy from playing Micky’s mother like the allies storming Normandy, and Amy Adams -- very much against type -- is her match, as Charlene, Micky’s feisty girlfriend, ‘n rock, who’s quick to say the king’s naked ‘n never shrinks from a fight.

Even the smallest bit parts are scrupulously cast; the topography of their faces saving pages of back-story. Stuntman Anthony Molanari looks the real deal as Shea Neary, making the crucial bout so exciting.

Russell’s no paint-by-the-numbers storyboard director. Always with a firm grip on story, he’s in the moment, tryin’ to catch lightening in a bottle. His scenes crackle with life. Not hyperbolic Hollywood.

So, if you’re looking for a riveting gristle-n-bone, raucous, entertaining movie-movie with heart, THE FIGHTER delivers.

 

Very nice write up, i'll let you know as soon as i watch it JG.

Sorry to be a **** but i just gotta point out, Shea Neary isn't a London lad, he's from Liverpool.

 

You're right, t, I shoulda been clearer; Neary was treated like a home-town hero.

 

For a second I thought you meant the old film "The Fighter", starring Richard Conte, based on Jack London's story The Mexican.
I didn't rate it. But I'd give it another try.

The Micky Ward documentary, I haven't seen.

 

Nah it's the most minor of details JG, great write up, i can't wait to see it.

 

It's anything but a documentary, U. It focuses on just a part of Ward's life, as SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME did with Graziano, 'n ****** ON MY BACK did with Barney Ross.

 

Ever consider writ'en fer a livin' JG?

 

I'm looking forward to watching it, even more so now.

 

Gaw head, d, rub it in.

 

I'm definitely anxious to see it. I'm most interested in Bale's performance.

 

Yeah, I should've read the full review first. I assumed it was another behind-the-scenes documentary, made up of old footage. But a feature film about a very minor alphabet title fight in 2000 ? Micky Ward, a fight fan's favourite, but no quite an international household name.
Not a character loosely based on Ward, but actually Ward played by a star actor. Yeah, I admit, it's not a film I've been expecting from Hollywood !
Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, no less ! Sounds very interesting indeed.

 

bump

 

Didnt it just come out last night? Its gotten great reviews and Im looking forward to seeing it. Just gotta convince my wife she'll like it. I dragged her to Million Dollar Baby and she enjoyed that. I think this one will be better..