We follow Micky Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) comeback and unlikely light-welterweight title. A true story, that's more interesting when it's outside the ring, although there are some similarities with "Rocky" (feel good), "Million Dollar Baby" (underdog) and "Raging Bull" (anger)
Yes, it's a boxing film, but there are many punches outside the ring. Particularly the conflicts Micky has with his bizarre family: His half-wit half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) who destroyed his own opportunity in drugs and alcohol, a former boxer who is now Micky's trainer, when he's not in jail. And of course, if your a prize-fighter you need a manager. Who is better than your dominating mother (Melissa Leo) and 7 sisters, who are eccentric loud-mouth trailer-trashing bimbos. We are also introduced to Micky's new girlfriend (Amy Adams)----a college dropout bartender....a hard nose woman who takes crap from no one. Micky is caught in the middle. This film is really about family/neighborhood versus the ring.
What makes this film so enjoyable is an outstanding cast. Bale and Leo steal every scene they appear in. Both should receive Oscar supporting nominations, like they did with the Golden Globes. Not too far behind are solid performances from Wahlberg and Adams.
Film: B+
Cast: A
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