It’s not that often that Hollywood rewards audiences with an ensemble cast in an engaging drama, so when I heard that Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams would be working together in a boxing film, I was understandably excited. Early trailers for this newest sports drama were engaging enough, but what really helped build the buzz for The Fighter was the high level of early critical acclaim surrounding the film. Even before release, The Fighter earned multiple Golden Globe nominations, honoring the strong acting, directing, and overall quality of the film. Christian Bale is notorious for the physical and emotional dedication he puts into his different roles, and many critics predicted that his performance as troubled boxer Dicky Eklund would not only get him the Golden Globe, but also earn him his first Oscar nomination. With TIME Magazine characterizing The Fighter as a mix between Rocky, The Blind Side, and The Departed, I couldn’t wait to see this early Oscar contender.
There are times when a strongly-hyped film falls short of expectations, but that certainly isn’t the case with The Fighter, which I am happy to report is one of the best films of the year. With humor, drama, and action brilliantly blended together, The Fighter brings engaging characters to life to tell a thoroughly entertaining story that audiences won’t soon forget. Wahlberg and Adams demonstrate outstanding acting ability, but as expected, the standout performance belongs to Christian Bale, whose mannerisms, speech patterns, and expressions so fully embody his drug-addicted character that it’s hard to believe this is the same guy who dressed like a bat and beat up the Joker two summers ago. Looking back, I really don’t have anything truly negative to say about The Fighter, I loved the film and would see it again in a heartbeat. Sports Illustrated has called The Fighter the “best sports film of the decade,” and I couldn’t agree more; during the Holiday Movie Season, do not miss this must-see film, which is sure to entertain audiences, win numerous awards, and become an instant classic.
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Overall Recommendation: Very High
