“The Fighter”
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Bale), Best Supporting Actress (Leo, Adams), Best Originl Screenplay

Oscar is a fan of fighting movies. “Rocky,” “Raging Bull,” “The Wrestler,” “Million Dollar Baby,” and now “The Fighter.” It’s probably because so much emotion and good drama is involved in sports and preparing for big fights. Such challenges can wear a person down, but build them back up, as we’ve seen. It’s no different in “The Fighter,” which follows the story of Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) and his brother, Dicky (Bale). It has its share of family turmoil, but also family loyalty and unity.

I really want to see more of the raw, angry Christian Bale. We saw it in “American Psycho,” and we see it again in “The Fighter.” Bale is the best Bruce Wayne on film, but the full diversity of his acting range isn’t shown in the “Batman” films. In “The Fighter,” we see the little bit of insanity, and a whole lot of the rage. But we also see the devotion and a big change in character. Bale is one of the best actors working today, I feel, and I hope he wins this oscar.

This is definitely a fun movie, and worth the best picture nod, as well as Bale’s nod for acting. Amy Adams was good, but whether she deserved a nod is debatable. Melissa Leo, however, was very good, as Ward’s mom. I hope Bale gets the oscar. I was surprised to learn this story was so recent; the big fight at the end only took place in 2000. It’s a good story, definitely worth a watch if you like boxing movies, and hopefully a strong oscar contender this year.