Hmm another boxing film? Is another needed? Despite my initial reaction “The Fighter” has a story and cast that rises above the typical pugilistic fanfare. Set and filmed in Lowell, Mass., it is based on the true story of Dicky and Micky Ward, half-brothers who boxed as pro welterweights in subsequent decades. Upon retirement, the older one, Dicky, slid into crack addiction and landed in jail, but resurfaced in time to train his younger brother to a WBU title fight. The film depicts the brothers’ humble beginnings, their neurotic parents and dopey sisters on the road to Micky’s attempt to fulfill a dream that Dicky never did. (It’s rated a strong R for language, drug content and some good boxing action, though there’s seems a bit more outside drama than in the ring.)
Christian Bale does a great job as the quirky and stoned-out Dicky, while Mark Wahlberg is comfortable in the shoes of Micky, the fighter struggling with losses and thoughts of quitting. The rest of the cast is terrific, too, with Melissa Leo (of “Frozen River” acclaim) as the overly involved chain-smoking mother, and convincing new faces who play the brothers’ seven dumpy sisters. Perhaps Amy Adams, is the biggest surprise, as Micky’s tough sailor-tongued girlfriend who bumps heads with the tightly wound family. It’s hard to believe this is the same Adams who’s known for the wholesome roles in “Enchanted,” “Julie & Julia” and the upcoming “Muppets.” In “The Fighter,” she refreshingly branches out to partake in a role much grittier.
“The Fighter” is an entertaining flick, made better by the very authentic feel it generates thanks to the superb performances, script and fact that it’s filmed on location with input from the actual brothers. Mark Wahlberg said he trained four years for the role, which isn’t too hard to believe. The movie’s already received six Golden Globe nominations and four SAG nominations, and is likely to take a few home. I wouldn’t say it’s the best movie of the year, but it does pack a pretty good punch.
