The Fighter is a Winner!

One movie that you gotta put on your playlist is that of the new Mark Whalberg and Christian Bale film The Fighter. Based on the life of professional boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale). Having only seen just the trailer, I was sold on checking out this film. Bale hasn't let me down yet, and he didn't start with this one.

As a welterweight from the wrong side of the tracks, Irish-American Dicky Eklund is the pride of working class Lowell, Massachusetts. Living in his shadow is his half-brother and sparring partner Micky Ward. After fighting Sugar Ray Leonard, Eklund plunges into a nightmare of crack addiction, violence and prison. His family's hopes are crushed in the wake of Dicky's decline. Like a real life Rocky, Micky fights on his own terms and pulls his family out of despair with his meteoric rise in the ring. Freshly paroled Dicky finds redemption training his little brother, now known as "Irish" Micky Ward, for his Welterweight Championship bout with Shea Neary. (Wikipedia)


It's such a rarity to find a film that fully satisfies your appetite. There is so much passion that goes into this film that it just oozes out. It is quite evident that each character puts 120%, because every nook and cranny is believable.

After awhile one begins to wonder how many boxing movies can one make and they still be good. But where The Fighter steps away from the pack is with the fantastic direction of  David O. Russell. He is able to use the camera in a way that still has the indie flick feel of  free-moving and hand-held, gritty quality to it, all of this just adds energy the film, its like igniting a wildfire. The film also wastes little time taking full control of your attention. Trust me when I say that your eyes are glued to the screen until the end credits start rolling and even then you get a little surprise then too.

Christian Bale is the type of actor that has got some serious acting skills. He is so believable that you get sucked in and fail to realize that he is playing someone else. With this role he is bound to get recognized and better yet nominated, and if not shame on the Academy! And not to far behind is Micky Ward played by Mark Whalberg. Now he may be the lead actor, but Bale steals the shine in this one for me. Whalberg to me with this role increases his acting maturity with this role. His training and preparation shines through as he emotes the true face of a fighter just trying to make it ... for himself!

Then you have folks like Amy McAdams (Charlene Fleming) who sneak up on you with a breath-taking performance. I even felt a little scared of her, girlfriend didn't play! And the highlight of the film was Micky and Dicky's "ghetto" and nosy sisters (yes these chicks was hood and ghetto). But trust me when I say they get what they deserve...big time!!

The Fighter is a knock-out punch!! And to think this is basically a conventional script that becomes elevated by superior directing and acting along with some exciting performances. One could say that this film was filled with a high-class group of acting professionals who put their heart and soul into this one, and it definitely should be rewarded.

I don't typically give out 4 stars often but this one made it easy for me to make that decision. The Fighter works two-fold in that it tells the story of fighting in the ring and fighting for survival. It gets no better!

Ratings: 4 out of 4

Good Remake: True Grit (2010)

It's not often that you will find a film that does worthy of a remake but the 2010 version (directed by the Coen Brothers Joel & Ethan ) of True Grit is one of those exceptions. But then again, they have had much success with other films such as No Country for Old Men and Fargo. After watching the 1969 version starring John Wayne just a few days prior I wanted to make sure I stayed obejective as possible, considering Jeff Bridges would be playing the main lead of Rooster Cogburn (just slightly suspect for me, but that would change).

The Coen Brothers did an excellent job with being authentic as possible in portraying this classic western. Even though it came out in 2010 it doesn't feel like 2010 which helps the greatness of this film. Everything from the clothing, to the buildings, to the atmosphere are spot-on, and anyone that is a fan of westerns definitely got that nostaglic feeling running through their bones. If you liked the original then you hope after watching the newest version that there would still be the comedic tones along with a little bit of serious and thrilling effects as well.

True Grit is the type of film that needs to have strong cast to carry it through considering you had "The Duke" playing the lead role. And just think, who would of thought that Little Miss Hailee Steinfield (Mattie Ross)would pretty much put herself on the map with this breakout performance. Her time on the screen convinces us why she was picked out of 15,000 other young girls. Her wit and feisty charm add so much character that she puts some of the seasoned actors to shame. We the audience can't help but sympathize and even emphathize for her as she makes her journey through Indian Nations to find her father's killer Tom Chaney; and to be honest she actually does a better job than the original Mattie Ross (several times over).

Then you have Matt Damon and Josh Brolin who both play their roles in good fashion, especially Matt Damon. Damon who plays LaBoeuf, does a convincing job of being a hard-nosed, cocky Texas ranger who can even be brought down a size from a little adolescent girl. His short temper makes you and laugh and even feel sorry for him, as it appears that no one wants to be on his side. and then you have Jeff Bridges who pulls of the role of Rooster Cogburn quite remarkably. I can't think of another actor who would fit this role as perfect as he did. They say some roles people people are born to play, well this one was waiting for Bridges. He remixed this role so well you easily forget that John Wayne was the original Rooster.

True Grit easily could've taken a sharp left turn for the worse, but it managed naturally take its course in the right direction. This was a cinematic experience to remember, in the end you get an appreciation for a true cinema art. The more authentic the better the enjoyment.

This was a perfect combination of excellent acting, great cinematography, impeccable directing, just an overall likeable film to watch. No matter how big or small the part each role contributed to a successful piece of work. When remaking a film, no less a classic, other should take note what this film did and follow suit...cause it takes "true grit" to get the job done.



Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

DVD Releases 1/11/2011

Check out this week's DVD releases...

Alpha and Omega (PG)

Love Hurts (PG-13)

Piranha (R)

The Social Network (PG-13)

Little Fockers (2010)



Well the 2010 Holiday definitely picked a great movie to get it going with Little Fockers. After watching the first two Meet the Parents (2000) and Meet the Fockers (2004) you can't help but want to see a third one. Pure laughter from beginning to end, definitely satisfied my laughing needs.

They say once children are brought into the picture, that anythig bad would at least calm down a situation or bring in some positivity, well it does make things interesting for the Focker and Byrnes family. One should not expect too much from this film, if so your expectation are just a little too high and unrealistic. after seeing the trailers and promos I already knew what I was getting into. Plus with a little bit of sprinkles from folks like Owen Wilson and Kevin Hart you are bound to fall out of your seat.

For the most part, the film sheds light on the abnormal relationship between Greg and Jack, along with their ups and downs. You would think that jack may have just a little more faith in his son-in-law, but the constant spying may have you beg to differ. We also get a chance to see Greg (Ben Stiller) really take on the patriarchal role as well as test his limits as a man. And as icing on the cake, for just a few moments we get to see such acting legends like legends Harvey Keitel, Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman more on a humorous side versus a serious, stiff, stern ones. Even the little children with their facial expressions and one-liners add to the already layed out humor that exists from their elders.

When its all said and done the movie is not just a prime example of a comedy, but it also presents several clear cut messages of family loyalty and priorities in a different fashion. Doesn't get in better than that...works for me!

Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

New DVD Releases 1/4/2011

Check out 2011's New DVD Releases...

 

 Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13)

  The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

Machete (R)

  Case 39 (R)

Catfish (PG-13)

Howl (R)

Are you getting any?

The Tourist

"The Perfect Trip...The Perfect Trap"

This 2005 French film remake by Anthony Zimmer, is definitely one to remember and not necessarily in a good way. It's a jet setter of a story, mixing a bit of James Bond with a dozen mistaken identity movies. The movie is not what we expect, but at least it somewhat keeps you entertained for the time being.

You never quite know what emotion the movie is trying to portray with its weaving effect of romantic, comedic, and mysterious elements. One minute the orchestra soaring gracefully, next we are we're treated to a few slapstick shenanigans, and then comes the looming minor key to remind us of a mysteriously mystery!

Now don't get me wrong the film does a great job showcasing its beautiful cinematography, the locations are down right impeccable. The visuals are just simply stunning, everything from the beautiful European vistas, lavish homes and hotels and a bonus of eye candy everywhere. Even the action scenes are exciting and even the dialogue has some charm. It is a fun film to watch, but the lack of chemistry really affects everything else with this film, but all in all, beyond some fantastic locales, an interesting enough story and good looking leads, this is a very missed opportunity for the director. For every high mountain there's a very low mole hill.


It has been said that this movie was kinda of thrown together at the last moment, and that none of the actors slated were suppose to be in the film. (Hmmmm you think so...) And this evidently shows the problems with the film almost unquestionably were the result of several casting and directorial issues during pre-production. Depp's role was reportedly originally slated for Tom Cruise, who was then replaced by Sam Worthington who later dropped out over "creative differences" and ultimately was replaced by Johnny Depp. And get this Angelina Jolie's character was also apparently intended for someone else…none other than Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron. Think of Italian Job meets Knight and Day, one good film and one should've been good film.


This is the type of movie where you do not rely on the fact that there are great actors in the movie, because as with this case you will be let down. However they do supply a bit of eye-candy for the viewer, but seriously is that why we go to the movies?

All in alI, The Tourist can actually be summed up as one critic said, "it's a frothy diversion, pleasant and fun." Enough said or is it?!

Ratings: 2 out of 4 stars

WELCOME 2011!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

From 

G-Breezy's Director's Cut

As they say... "Out with the Old ... In with the New!!