Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Fighter (2010)

DomePonderingMovieReviewTheFighter What is it about?

The true story of boxer, “Irish” Micky Ward and his family, as he ascends to the top of the boxing world.

Who is in it?

Mark Wahlberg – Micky Ward

Christian Bale – Dickie Eklund

Amy Adams – Charlene Fleming

Melissa Leo – Alice Ward


Favorite Scene:


After realizing that the constant fighting and divisiveness has hurt Micky’s ability to train for his important fight, Dickie goes to Charlene’s house to convince her that Micky doesn’t need to choose between his family and his new training management, but he needs all of them to get along for what’s most important, his opportunity at the WBU Welterweight title.

Favorite Quote:

 Mickey Ward: [after seeing the size of his opponent] That guy did not just get off the couch. If he did, I’m gonna get a couch like that.

Review:
The Fighter is a film that was expected to be good, however, after viewing it, it is much better than just good, it’s great. Surprisingly great, if that is possible upon watching an expectant good movie. A true story, The Fighter really shines through a cast from Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo who carried this film with superb acting. And to be honest, with sports, especially boxing, movies, it is very difficult to make a predictable plot into an amazing film. However, The Fighter pulled it off due to those four, no question. And while Wahlberg was the star of the film, the true talent in this film was Christian Bale playing the role of Dickie Eklund.

With most boxing movies, the Rocky series is the measuring stick and comparison bar. While Rocky was, and still is, one of the greatest sports films of all time, The Fighter joins Cinderella Man and Million Dollar Baby as boxing movies on par with Rocky. Sacrilegious? Highly doubtful if you see The Fighter. While it is the usual plot of rags-to-riches, The Fighter evokes a bigger story of brothers dealing with demons, conflict, and self realization to make a dream a reality.

All in all, your usual overcoming the odds boxing story, but well worth it due to the performances of Wahlberg, Bale, Adams, and Leo. A must-watch.

Grade: 4/5
Labels:

Recent Favorites

Quick Ponder: Free and Guarded

Stay free. But keep the gate to  your peace, guarded.
Read more

WWE Wrestlemania XL Review: "I absolutely loved this Wrestlemania"

It's easy to get caught up and become a prisoner of the moment. Especially in today's world where the latest moment is ostracized, super-analyzed, and hyperbolized - it's very much the clickbait, social media, microwave society we live in.  Yet, even after acknowledging that (as well as my Tribal Chief, of course), I still come to this feeling that Wrestlemania XL is one of the best Wrestlemania's, ever.  Yes, ever!  I don't need Triple H's metrics and benchmarks to influence me. No, no, no! In terms of hype, storylines, payoffs, match quality, and just overall fun - this entire weekend was amazing.  I'm slightly skewed in my preference as well. This was my son's first Wrestlemania as a pro wrestling fan. Having him at my side cheering on his favorites, getting caught up in the drama, and even crying at the end of the night because his Tribal Chief lost to "that no good Cody" added to the overall appreciation of the event.  So yeah, I have some
Read more

NXT Stand and Deliver 2024 Review: 'For super casual NXT fans like me - no complaints here'

It's become officially a tradition that NXT Stand and Deliver makes Wrestlemania weekend feel like the ultimate wrestling weekend - as if it isn't already. There is just something about a major show being held midday on a Saturday, among the hype for the already dual night of Wrestlemania - that just emanates and screams - wrestling fans, don't go anywhere all weekend.   Nonetheless, NXT Stand and Deliver 2024 for this super causal NXT viewer was entertaining. I was well aware (and followed) the story of Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes (more on that in a bit) more so than the other happenings, but that didn't matter. The show offered many reasons to check out Shawn Michaels' project on Tuesday nights.  With that said, here are some quick thoughts on NXT Stand and Deliver 2024:  - Baron Corbin is amazing on the NXT brand. For many reasons, he just never clicked for me on the major brands - and that very likely might not even be his fault. I didn't think Axiom an
Read more