Not promoting anything here, but thanks to a cool promotion at Blockbuster, I've got unlimited free rentals until the beginning of next month. And, I'm using this opportunity to watch all the movies I've missed over the last year and change.
Film #15:
The Fighter
David O. Russell may be difficult to work with, but he makes some great films. I loved Three Kings. I've watched I (Heart) Huckabees so many times over the years, that it's become one of my all time favorite films. The Fighter took some time getting to the screen, but here it is. And, it's damn good.
Wahlberg is good. But, it's the supporting trio that knock each of their performances out of the park. First off, Christian Bale belongs on the list of great actors, with Brando, De Niro, and Day Lewis. He's been producing amazing work over the past decade. Sure, he was in Terminator Salvation, but he wasn't bad in it.
I loved Amy Adams in Enchanted. She deserved an Oscar nod for her nuanced work there. I also know that a lot of people find her attraction. Hey - she ain't ugly. But, she never really did anything for me, until now. Her Charlene Fleming is scorching hot. And, not just in looks. Adams gives Charlene more than life. There's a soul behind those blue eyes. I knew why Wahlberg's Micky Ward fell for her. Because I did, too.
Then there's Melissa Leo, in her Oscar-winning role. And, fucking-a - her performance may have felt the most real to me. I know women like her. Hell, I know mothers like her, and I thank God that she wasn't my mother. Still, Leo doesn't make Alice Ward one-dimensional. You can see the love she has for both of her sons in her eyes. Great work here.
I loved this movie. And, the boxing scenes. Whew. I felt like I was there, witnessing every punch and every swear. Russell already made his masterpiece - Three Kings. But, if he hadn't, I'd be saying it was this film.
5 out of 5
