The Fighter

Walhberg Silent and Quiet But Tough and Thunderous in the Ring
The Fighter, R, ****, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams, Jack McGee, Sugar Ray Leonard. Paramount Film. Director David O Russell. Length 114 minutes.

“The Fighter” is based on a true story. It is not exactly a run of the mill boxing film. This is what makes it stand out with more grittiness and realism than most boxing genres. I think it is the best film of its kind since “Jake La Motta.” “Jake La Motta” was a superior film, but in many ways, “The Fighter” holds its ground for entertainment and strength.
Micky Ward (Mark Walhberg) has ambitions of becoming a welterweight boxing champ. His half brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) was a phenomenal fighter.
Unfortunately, he allowed drugs to basically ruin his chances in the ring.
The two brothers have a really unusual and shall I say dysfunctional family. With lots of sisters and a mother who are aggressive and determined, their story is bizarre. The family members will not be easily forgotten. In fact, they will remind the viewers of some individuals in this neck of the woods. They are very clannish, abrasive, and obnoxious. Actually, that is putting it mildly.
Micky is training for a big fight, and his brother Dicky is his trainer. Of course with drug problems Dicky becomes so involved with getting high, he loses his ability to function normally.
Micky has watched for years as his brother was placed in the limelight. It seems that no matter what happens his brother is the center of attention. This causes the audience to wonder if Micky has the heart of a boxer.
The world of boxing is shown in all of its roughness inside and outside the ring. Micky meets Charlene (Amy Adams) a barmaid with a forceful attitude. At that time, it is a good move for Micky, but his family disapproves. Obviously, this creates more friction among Micky’s family.
Dicky’s problem with drugs lands him in prison. This could be the best thing to happen. It just might save his life. The reader will have to see the film to find out the rest of the story. This film demonstrates the way “Crack Drugs” can destroy lives, and cause teeth to rot. Drug addiction is a horrible situation in lots of perspectives.
When Dicky is himself, he is smart funny and contagious. However, the drug addiction is destroying his life and family. Harsh measures must sometimes take place in one’s life to open the door to reality.
Dicky is one fun loving kind of guy. His personality is contagious. However, he has a temper that goes along with the fun loving life. With the capability of coning his family into accepting his wild and wooly way through his winning showboat attitude, he creates his own world with his bubbling personality.
Dicky sings part of the old Bee Gees song I started a joke to his mother. The lyrics give the audience a view of the condition Dicky has really gotten himself into - I started a joke, which started the whole world crying, but I didn't see that the joke was on me, oh no.
Do not leave the theater too soon. The real Micky and Dicky say a few words at the end of the film. Actually, Dicky says more than his brother which will not surprise the audience.
I recommend this film for its human interest aspect along with an unusual but true story. It will give the audience a look at a dedicated family with a streak of weirdness.