I was brought back to my early 20s, back to all the angst and drama fueled days spend wandering the streets of MA. I knew the people in this movie. I met these same people when I used to hang out at the Lafayette Club in Amesbury above a boxing gym. I knew lots of people on drugs who lived their days remembering their one "great moment" in history. The music score swung my soul right back to hot summers, lazy days, smoking butts and family dysfunction. Good times, my friend.
I loved this movie. Someone give Christian Bale an Oscar for just being so freakin' gross and lovable at the same time. His turn as Dicky Eklund was so authentic I forgot who he really was. And who knew Amy Adams, as Charlene, could be such a good hearted loser with a right hook. She made me want to go back in time and kick the ass of some bitches who needed a slap. And then we have Melissa Leo as Alice Ward, Micky's mom. Who IS this woman? Alice is the epitome of white trash, raising white trash daughters, talking smack, spreading her codependent ways like thick second hand smoke. Loved her!!! Mark Wahlburg doesn't even seem like he's acting. This character is perfect for him. He is effortless. I have a feeling, he too, knows this life and these people.
This movie was not pretty. None of the people in it are particularly pretty. Even Adams has some unflattering shots. Mark Wahlburg had some moments but the movie was shot in such a way that no one cared about gloss and aesthetics . The story is so strong you care about these people immediately. Life is better than fiction and this movie proves that. These are real people, with real lives and real stories. There are times when I want fantasy and air brushing. This isn't one of them. There is a scene with Dicky and Micky that made me cry and fight scenes that made me cling to my friend's arm. For all the dysfunction and co-dependency, love ruled this movie.
I don't think The Fighter will win Best Movie, but I think it will get something. I think Melissa Leo could possibly take Best Supporting Actress. I highly recommend this movie. I give it 5 stars. ★★★★★
Haven't seen it, but I do want to. Heard from everyone who saw it that it was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was awesome! I wanted to stand up and salute loudly in the movie theater when his brother went back to the crack house and gave them the cake. Lots of awesome 80's hair. Lots of great slang and Boston accents. Loved this movie. (Lauren)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it! I was watching a news show and they were saying that Melissa Leo may have hindered her chances of receiving best supporting actress due to her "self promoting". Apparently, that is looked down on from Hollywood?? Why, because she wants to win?
ReplyDeleteI haven't see the movie, but I hope she wins!
I wanna see it!
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