Best Picture
Best Director
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress (2)
Best Original Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Mark Wahlberg stars as "Irish" Mickey Ward in "The Fighter", but it appears to be Christian Bales' showcase; and until you see the real brothers in the end credits, you wonder why Christian Bale is so out there in this film. Then you get the sense that Christian channeled Dickey Ekland, Mickey's drug abusing, former trainer, half brother. Christian is great, he's funny, nutty, hyper, sickly looking and intense. Half of the movie seemed to be centered on him, then switched to Mickey his younger brother. Wahlberg was not nominated for best actor, as many thought he would be. Since this type of film doesn't normally appeal to me and I liked it, I am surprised he wasn't nominated. He is good, but he can't out compete Colin Firth. The movie is good and I don't usually like movies about boxing.
Now Christian Bale's character is quite another story. His craziness is funny and sad at the same time. His character puts the 'D' in dysfunctional. He almost chews up the scenery. He has played some oddly bizarre and fascinating characters. He is the Johnny Depp of scary, odd roles. If you've ever seen "The Machinist" or especially, "American Psycho", (if you can manage to sit through it, it's intense); then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Even his Batman is pretty dark and brooding. This is one award that is his to win or loose. I am predicting a win here. I think he'll get it just for loosing so much weight and being so hyper. He looks awful in the film, he's so thin and hollow eyed. Ah, the sacrifices actors go through for an Oscar nomination and a few million dollars. The academy loves to give an Oscar to someone who physically transforms.
Although the writing, directing and editing are good, this is an actor's movie. Both Amy Adams as Mickey's girlfriend and Melissa Leo as the mother are nominated for best supporting actress. Both are equally good. Amy Adams has shown a wide range of skills, in a variety of films. She does drama and comedy equally well. But it's Melissa Leo who comes out on top in this film. This might be her year to win too.
This film won't win best picture. It's good, but I've already reviewed at least 3 films that are better and I still have 2 more best pictures to see and review. I 've seen all of the Best Supporting Actor nominees. Christian Bale will and should win for Best Supporting Actor. I'm getting down to the wire with the best films! I've now checked off a big chunk of all of the nominations.
Rating - 3.5 stars
Best Director
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress (2)
Best Original Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Mark Wahlberg stars as "Irish" Mickey Ward in "The Fighter", but it appears to be Christian Bales' showcase; and until you see the real brothers in the end credits, you wonder why Christian Bale is so out there in this film. Then you get the sense that Christian channeled Dickey Ekland, Mickey's drug abusing, former trainer, half brother. Christian is great, he's funny, nutty, hyper, sickly looking and intense. Half of the movie seemed to be centered on him, then switched to Mickey his younger brother. Wahlberg was not nominated for best actor, as many thought he would be. Since this type of film doesn't normally appeal to me and I liked it, I am surprised he wasn't nominated. He is good, but he can't out compete Colin Firth. The movie is good and I don't usually like movies about boxing.
Now Christian Bale's character is quite another story. His craziness is funny and sad at the same time. His character puts the 'D' in dysfunctional. He almost chews up the scenery. He has played some oddly bizarre and fascinating characters. He is the Johnny Depp of scary, odd roles. If you've ever seen "The Machinist" or especially, "American Psycho", (if you can manage to sit through it, it's intense); then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Even his Batman is pretty dark and brooding. This is one award that is his to win or loose. I am predicting a win here. I think he'll get it just for loosing so much weight and being so hyper. He looks awful in the film, he's so thin and hollow eyed. Ah, the sacrifices actors go through for an Oscar nomination and a few million dollars. The academy loves to give an Oscar to someone who physically transforms.
Although the writing, directing and editing are good, this is an actor's movie. Both Amy Adams as Mickey's girlfriend and Melissa Leo as the mother are nominated for best supporting actress. Both are equally good. Amy Adams has shown a wide range of skills, in a variety of films. She does drama and comedy equally well. But it's Melissa Leo who comes out on top in this film. This might be her year to win too.
This film won't win best picture. It's good, but I've already reviewed at least 3 films that are better and I still have 2 more best pictures to see and review. I 've seen all of the Best Supporting Actor nominees. Christian Bale will and should win for Best Supporting Actor. I'm getting down to the wire with the best films! I've now checked off a big chunk of all of the nominations.
Rating - 3.5 stars
