I should have posted this this weekend but I totally forgot, so apologies. I’ve had my say on “The Fighter” out of AFI Fest and there has been plenty of discussion on it here and there since. But it hit theaters nationwide Friday and many of you got a chance to take a look, so let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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58 responses to “Tell us what you thought of ‘The Fighter’”
Just saw it tonight…found it to be a captivating and engaging piece of filmmaking. Bale and Leo are amazing in their roles, while Wahlberg and Adams deliver top-quality work.
One flaw that could detract people is how the film focuses too much on Bale and less on Wahlberg. Dicky is a far more interesting character than Micky, with his crack addiction and self-absorption serving as important pieces of drama. Dicky could very well have his own Hollywood film, which would probably be just as engaging and more tragic than this film indicates.
With that being said, I think Russell successfully balances the Dicky storyline with the rise of Micky. He highlights the pressure thrusted on Micky by his family along with the guidance given to him by his girlfriend. The film ends up mixing great characterization with insightful themes, utilizing elements from Rocky and Raging Bull to tell its story.
A strong film that could dethrone The Social Network if it has enough supporters who are emotionally and emphatically invested in the characters and the story.
It’s weird. Lately, I’d say 7 or 8 out of every 10 opinions I’ve read on the internet seem to like the film quite a bit. The box office seems pretty good, if not great.
Yet I keep getting a feeling like there may not be as much adoration across the board (public response, industry).
Everything just seems one notch below expectations (after the burst of nominations at the GG, SAG).
Is there anything to what I’m thinking? Kris? Guy? Whomever?
Fantastic. I’ll be flustered if this doesn’t win Best Ensemble at SAG, for what is easily the most dynamic, authentic ensemble acting of the year. The interplay between the actors is just tremendous. There is a power and energy there lacking in so many films this year, a jolt of electricity in the line readings that feels so vital and raw. Everyone was incredible, down to the bit parts.
I’m surprised more people aren’t predicting this for a Best Director nomination, honestly. He did an amazing job.
Wow. I was completely unimpressed. As has been mentioned, the movie is “solid,” but certainly not best picture worthy. That said, the performances are fantastic, namely Amy Adams. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale stand out as well…though Wahlberg is just ok.
The film certainly doesn’t stand out as a great boxing movie. The first hour is a good set-up, but the second hour is okay. I actually think Ebert’s review is spot on. The biggest problem: Mickey Ward is the LEAST interesting character. Thus, there seems little invested in him, little to root for.
So, overall: performances great, rest of the movie, Meh. Way overrated.
I’m so glad to see other people feel the same way. I think in a few weeks, the hype will die down and people will see it for what it is: an okay film with arguably great performances that can’t hold up to the other truly great films of the year.
Adama is the bigger star and has played innocent snow white type characters in past.Hence people find her good. Melissa leo is brilliant .But she has transformed her totally. Also she nails d part( and is not over the top like most of u said). She behaves just d way women of dat area are. Leo deserves the oscar.She should win but if ‘popular’ Kate winslet could steal her oscar 2 years ago for ” The Reader’ then popular Amy Adams will easily win and this hardworking underrated women will be denied again.
Adams is the bigger star and has played innocent snow white type characters in past.Hence people find her good. Melissa leo is brilliant .But she has transformed her totally. Also she nails d part( and is not over the top like most of u said). She behaves just d way women of dat area are. Leo deserves the oscar.She should win but if ‘popular’ Kate winslet could steal her oscar 2 years ago for ” The Reader’ then popular Amy Adams will easily win and this hardworking underrated women will be denied again.
Saw this again last night with a friend who wanted to see it.
I loved it the first time and think even higher of it the second.
My friend loved it, said it was one of his favorites of the year.
Audience – Sold out for a 10pm showing at one of my local multiplexes.
Everyone laughed at all the appropriate parts, and hard.
After the last fight, there was a smattering of applause.
When leaving the theater I heard a couple of “that was good”, “that was solid, a solid movie”. And I also heard, from 3 teenagers, “It was alright, Christian Bale’s accent annoyed the f*&k out of me, though, man”.