The Fighter (2010) R

I've never really been in love with David O. Russell's (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees) work, but this film is just phenomenal. David is still reasonably young, 52, so he's got a lot of years ahead of him. As far as sports movies go, this is one of the better ones I've seen. It's based on an amazing true story, and I love true stories. Mark Wahlberg (Invincible, The Basketball Diaries) stars as Micky Ward, a Lowell, MA boxer on the verge of a tailspin. He's best known as Dickie Eklund's brother. Eklund, played by Christian Bale (The Machinist, Harsh Times) in a Golden Globe winning role, is a once famous boxer who knocked down Sugar Ray Leonard.

The movie begins with a documentary look as cameras follow Dickie's every move. He claims the film crew are making a documentary on his big boxing comeback. Meanwhile, Micky is two or three good wins away from possibly getting a chance at a title. It isn't long before we see just how crazy Micky's family is, especially Dickie.

Dickie is Micky's trainer, but is often a no show. So, Micky's mentor Mickey O'Keefe (played by the real Mickey O'Keefe) trains him in the meantime. That's something you don't see often, and he's never acted before. Kudos to Mr. Keefe.

Micky's mother/manager Alice is a manipulative but loving mother. She smokes during the entire movie, and you have to wonder how many packs a day she sucks down. Probably four or five, which is quite a feat. Alice is played by the always marvelous Melissa Leo (Frozen River, 21 Grams). She won best supporting actress last night at the Golden Globes, which was much deserved I might add.

We soon realize that this camera crew following Dickie is actually doing a documentary on crack addiction, and he will be their spokesperson. I feel like this is a good time to add that Bale has never been better, and deserved his best supporting actor win last night.

A few days before Micky's first big fight, way out in Las Vegas, he meets a waitress named Charlene (Amy Adams). Adams (Sunshine Cleaning, Doubt) has never been better, not even close. She's a smart, beautiful, but trashy college drop out. Micky is instantly attracted to her and after he stands up for her, she agrees to go on a date with him. She tells Micky he's considered a "stepping-stone" for other, better boxers. He strongly disagrees.

The time finally comes for the fight, but the boxer he was supposed to fight gets the flu and can't go. So they line up a fight with an ex-convict who has twenty pounds on Micky. He doesn't want to do the fight, but his stoned brother and crazy mother need the cash. He reluctantly does the fight, but gets beaten up pretty badly.

He feels embarrassed, but his family is just happy to get paid. He now wants to quit boxing for good, and takes a few weeks away from all the family drama. He doesn't even want to show his face in Lowell. But Charlene convinces him to man up and get back into boxing. Their relationship gets serious awfully quick.

Micky's father, George, played by the always fantastic Jack McGee (Rescue Me), gives Micky advice to let go of his mother (manager) and brother (trainer). He agrees, despite a few screaming matches between him, Charlene, Dickie, Alice and his seven hilarious sisters.

This new change instantly pays dividends for his confidence and he's lined up to do a big time fight in a mere few months. But one night changes everything for the Ward family. I'm going to stop right there. That's about half of the movie, and although that's arguably the best half of the movie, it needs to be said. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, but instead encourage everyone to please see this film. It's exhilarating, funny, smart, crass and gorgeous to look at. Russell has really outdone himself.

When I look back at the best sports movies of all-time, I can't help but think this movie belongs in the top five. I don't know about you, but when I think great sports films, I think Friday Nights, Rudy, Rocky, Remember the Titans, Miracle, The Bad News Bears, Caddyshack, Major League, Slap Shot and Hoosiers. And I have to say, this one's right up there.

All four main characters were nominated for the big awards (two won, as previously mentioned), as well as a best picture nominee. It was arguably the most fun I've had at the theater in 2010 (up there with Inception, The Social Network and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). Do yourself a favor and get off your lazy butt, and see this film (if it's in your area).
B+