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:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, Wild Card vs. Boston Red Sox

And we're back with another one of these read-along series. It wasn't too long ago that I found myself writing every other night as my Knicks marched their way to an NBA Championship.  Man, that still feels so good to indulge in.  But here we are on a similar journey for the Yankees.  Call me crazy, but I'm just not buying that the World Series is confirmed for anyone. Baseball has been weird all year, and part of said weirdness has been the parity, or dreadfulness - however you want to look at it - around MLB. In my opinion, the Yankees' pitching depth gives them a legit chance.  And with a lockout looming, 2027 might not present another chance. Why you gotta go there, man? I'm just saying... --- Game 1 Yankees d. Red Sox, 9-0 (Yankees lead Series, 1-0) Cam Schlittler is amazing. I sat on my sofa last year in Game 3 of the Wild Card between these two very rivaled teams and it felt like that dude was the best pitcher in the world. For the moment and game, it just fe...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, ALDS vs. Rays

This is easily the most anticipated series (and most expected?) for the New York Yankees. The two best teams during the regular season were expected to clash to determine American League prominence.  And yes, I agree that this upcoming series says a lot about the broken playoff structure in MLB. Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a mere moment... Up we go... I've never been a fan of the expansion to six teams per league. I understand that it keeps more markets in the playoff picture come September, and it is more revenue for all (likely, the biggest reason for the expansion). Still, all it did was create a scenario where division winners were at a disadvantage, and what we're getting here is the two best teams in the league facing off in a five-game series.  Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League, are given the second-best record in their first-round, in a best-of-five?  None of this makes sense.  Stepping off now... Nonetheless, fellow...
Read more