Even in a supporting role, Batman doesn’t just save the day; he almost pilfers the movie. Christian Bale, Hollywood’s latest and most intense Caped Crusader, proves again his formidable talent in a very different role. He gives goose bumps as the emaciated, hyper, crack-addicted brother and trainer of the title character in “The Fighter.”
For a production brimming with first-class actors, Mark Wahlberg is no slouch either. Playing “Irish” Micky Ward, another New England working class hero like himself, a buff Wahlberg embodies the part of a real-life light-welterweight contender.
The Lowell, Mass., native Ward had a complicated relationship with his colorful family that shaped his volatile career in the 1980s and ’90s. His rise, decline and comeback in boxing provide the context here. But the relatable “Fighter” is most about domestic pugilism — what happens to lives when love, hot tempers and codependency inevitably collide.
| IF YOU GO |
| ‘The Fighter’ |
| » Rating: 4 out of 5 stars |
| » Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo |
| » Director: David O. Russell |
| » Rated R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality. |
| » Running time: 115 minutes |
With intimidating force and deft comic timing, phenomenal character actress Melissa Leo (Oscar-nominated last year for “Frozen River”) portrays the mother of all mothers. Her Alice Ward, a middle-aged control freak in leopard print and miniskirt, has nine children by two fathers.
Though mom is in denial of the severity, her eldest Dicky Eklund (Bale) lost his once promising career in the ring to his drug addiction. The family now puts all its hope, energy and financial reliance on Micky. But it’s hard to know if seemingly well-intended manager Alice and trainer Dicky have Micky’s future or their own money needs in mind when they set him up for a devastating loss.
As Dicky gets into serious trouble with the law, Alice and her hallelujah chorus of seven cantankerous daughters resent the growing influence of Micky’s feisty new girlfriend (Amy Adams). Can a champ defeat fraternal guilt and win a title match at the same time?
Directed with great pace and style by David O. Russell (“Three Kings”), the screenplay and story have been credited to a total of four writers. Though their drama has the sometimes overly predictable story arc of an entertaining sports movie, it also boasts the darkly droll character development of an edgy indie flick.
It’s a must-see — not only for its high quality but also because it will make you feel better by comparison this Christmas. If you think your family is bickering or dysfunctional as you get together during the holidays, wait until you get a load of this clan.
