WORTH WATCHING
Video Reactions: AFI's Surprise World Premiere of 'The Fighter'
by Alex Billington
November 10, 2010
Last night AFI Fest, one of Los Angeles' premium film festivals, hosted a surprise world premiere of David O. Russell's The Fighter, the boxing film starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Based on a true story, it follows two Massachusetts brothers, one a former boxer and drug addict, the other a younger rising boxer, Mickey Ward, who in the late 90's went on to when a title with the help of his brother. It's another triumphant boxing movie, but it's damn good, great I would even say, but not amazing. After the premiere, Peter and Germain from SlashFilm and I recorded a video of our reactions, which you can watch below.
First things first, Christian Bale deserves the Oscar for his performance in this. From the trailers, I had a feeling he was going to be amazing, and he was. He completely transforms himself into Dickie Eklund and gives one of the best performances I've ever seen from him. I will undoubtedly be rooting for him next year. With that said, check out the video below to hear more thoughts on The Fighter from Peter, Germain and I.
The big question every seems to be asking about The Fighter is if it's good enough to make it on my Top 10 of the year. My first impression is to say no, but just barely, plus I still have to see a few remaining films left this year. It's definitely up there, it's a great film that I enjoyed quite a bit, but it's not as incredible as some stuff I've seen, like The King's Speech and Black Swan. The biggest selling point of this is its performances, from Bale to Wahlberg to Amy Adams as his feisty girlfriend to Melissa Leo as the mother of the family, they're all exceptional. Each and every one brings something great to the table to make up this solid boxing drama. My complaints with the film involve David O. Russell's direction, which felt completely lackluster and void of a unique edge. However, The Fighter is worth seeing, so check it out in theaters in December.
5 Comments
1
I was hoping this would be good I'm glad it is.
Moon on Nov 10, 2010
2
And I will be rooting for John Hawkes for Best Supporting Actor. After seeing his portrayal of Teardrop in Winter's Bone, I don't think I'd seen as convincing a performance from a male actor since Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. BUT, I am looking forward to seeing The Fighter and witnessing Bale's embodiment of Dickie Eklund.
Marcus on Nov 10, 2010
3
^^ Hakes was PHENOMENAL!!!! But, this movie does have my attention and I'm excited for it. ive respected Bale for a long time and cant wait to see how this movie does. That said, I hope Wahlberg does a damn good job as well, that guy is also deserving of major attention and respect but seems to pick crap roles amongst good ones (Departed Vs. Happening) that make his overall career questionable.
Voice of Reason on Nov 11, 2010
4
Hety VOICE dont think Bale's shit dont stink REIGN OF FIRE was crap....at least Walberg has an excuse thinking Shymalan could of put out another 6th SENSE or SIGNS, he gambled , didnt work. Oh wait almost forgot Bales performance in TERMINATOR SALVATION lmao , again dont try and question careers here , all actors are allowed a few stanly steamers ...nuff said
CORNBOY on Nov 11, 2010
5
STANLEY STEAMERS- ACTORS GONNA MAKE MONEY BUT SURE THE HELL WONT GET AN OSCAR
CORNBOY on Nov 11, 2010
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