The Fighter

Directed by: David O. Russell
Released: USA 10-December-2010 UK 02 February 2011
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo

IMDB Link

She said:

I knew two things when I first saw the trailer for The Fighter: 1. I have no real interest in a film about boxing and 2. This film looks very very good. It was the latter thought, of course, that made me go and see it. And I am very glad I did.

This film is brilliant - there is no other way to say it. There are so many actors who shine in this role, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams are both fantastic, but it has to be said that supporting actor Christian Bale completely overshadowed them all, including lead Mark Wahlberg. Bale is a method actor to an almost disturbing extent. You could see him living this role, which can't have been pleasant, and giving an amazing performance.

I found The Fighter brilliant but challenging to watch. It deals with issues of class, fame, drug abuse, family, relationships, etc - and it does so in a very raw way. Filmed cinema verite style, director Russell pulled me into this story and it stopped being 'a film about boxing', and started being a interesting story about loyalty and self-belief.

I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:

The Fighter may follow the formula of every good sports film to have come before it but it does the formula justice. Bale and Wahlberg both shine in their respective roles. I was not at all surprised to see Bale nominated for his performance as he shows the audience once more the level talent he possesses.

Not to be out done by the films leading men, the Fighter's supporting actresses also brought their A game talent. Adam's stands out especially as Wahlberg's love interest and a role that could not be further from her normal bread and butter (Enchanted, Leap Year and the like.) Melissa Leo is fantastic flawed as the boy's mother/manager.

This is a film very much like last months Black Swan that even if you aren't interested or in the sport/art form at the base of the story you become invested early and for the remainder of the film. If you liked Russell Crowe's Cinderella Man you will enjoy this as well. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said: If you aren't a fan of boxing, don't worry - you might find yourself actually getting into it by the time the redits role! We give this film {{{8 out of 10}}}

Question of the day: What is your favourite sports film?

The Lovely Bones (Directed by Peter Jackson)

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Reece Ritchie, Rose McIver, Nikki SooHoo.
Watched: Feb 21st.

He said:

Having just finished reading the Novel by Alice Sebold this Film was based on a mere three days prior to seeing the film the story of the novel was very fresh in my mind. As Helen mentions below there are some differences between the two but the feel and heart of the story remains.
Peter Jackson rarely disappoints as a director with films such as Lord of the Rings and the recent re-imagining of King Kong as well as one of his first forays as a director The Frighteners (starring fan favorite Michael J Fox) This film is no exception it is beautiful and poignant and true to the source material which as far as I am concerned is of major importance.
I truly loved the novel and enjoyed the film. With out hesitation I would recommend this film to friends and family, I give it {{{4.5 out of 5}}}

She said:

When I read the book that the film is adapted from a few years ago I was blown away by the poignancy and originality of the novel. The film matched the standard set by the book but in its own way. There were differences from the book, some bigger that others, but overall I was happy with how Jackson, Boyens and Walsh wrote the screenplay.

If you recognised those three surnames then you will probably know Andrew Lesnie as well. If not they are the people behind the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Lesnie being the incredible director of photography. If there is one thing that stood out in this film it was the beautiful way the film was shot. The special effects which depicted 'the in-between' were stunning and symbolic (provided by WETA Digital also of Lord of the Rings fame), and this was matched in the subtle cinematography in the 'living world'.

In addition to an accomplished crew the actors were very good and have got some very worthy nominations this awards season. The stand out performances were from Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci - the girl and her murderer. They managed to portray their split roles very effectively: Ronan has to act her chatracter not just alive and dead but also tortured and distressed at not being able to reach her family against her need to move on. Tucci of course played friendly neighbour and rapist/murderer with a haunting accuracy.

A brilliant book, a great film. I give it <<<4.5 out of 5>>>

They said:

This film is a different take on the idea of murder and death. It is not an actioned packed mystery. It is about how lives are affected by a trauma - how they come to terms and move past it, including the victim herself. We give it <<<9 out of 10>>>