Finally! The last movie on my Oscar list, and it was well worth the wait! Lindsay, Jake and I settled in on Friday night to watch and were not disappointed.
The movie is based on the true story of boxer Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), famous for knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard in a fight in 1978, and his younger half-brother Mikey Ward (Mark Wahlberg). Eklund's career was cut short when he became addicted to crack cocaine and was eventually sentenced to 10-15 years for crimes associated with the drug. Ward on the other hand was an up and coming boxer who Eklund trained and their mother Alice Ward (Melissa Leo) managed.
Since Eklund was pretty much defunct as a boxer, their only meal ticket was Ward. After loosing a fight to a boxer that was 30 pounds heavier than him because his mother and brother had arranged it, Ward begins to realize if he will ever be a successful boxer, he may have to remove his family from the equation. Once his brother is thrown in jail for assaulting a police officer, Ward makes the decision to get back on his feet with a new trainer and manager. Although he has success, there is part of him that wants his family to be there with him.
The movie was really awesome. I haven't seen very many boxing movies, yes even Rocky, so I don't have much to compare it to. As far as an all around movie though, it has everything you could want. Humor, romance, drama and action all in one. I guess I really liked that the whole movie just seemed very real, which is good since it is based on a true story. Christian Bale really did an amazing job in his role as Dicky Eklund. Besides losing all the weight to play a crack addict, he sounded and acted like the real character who you see during the credits. Melissa Leo also did an amazing job as their mother, and they both deserved their Oscars. (Even though I think Geoffery Rush still deserved the Best Supporting Actor award).
And round of applause to Mark Wahlberg. Turning 40 this year and you will not be disappointed when you see him shirtless ladies.... trust me..
Did you know?
When to See It: A great go to movie for any mood you are in. Great for a date night movie since it has a little of everything.
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: Just under 2 hours
Since Eklund was pretty much defunct as a boxer, their only meal ticket was Ward. After loosing a fight to a boxer that was 30 pounds heavier than him because his mother and brother had arranged it, Ward begins to realize if he will ever be a successful boxer, he may have to remove his family from the equation. Once his brother is thrown in jail for assaulting a police officer, Ward makes the decision to get back on his feet with a new trainer and manager. Although he has success, there is part of him that wants his family to be there with him.
The movie was really awesome. I haven't seen very many boxing movies, yes even Rocky, so I don't have much to compare it to. As far as an all around movie though, it has everything you could want. Humor, romance, drama and action all in one. I guess I really liked that the whole movie just seemed very real, which is good since it is based on a true story. Christian Bale really did an amazing job in his role as Dicky Eklund. Besides losing all the weight to play a crack addict, he sounded and acted like the real character who you see during the credits. Melissa Leo also did an amazing job as their mother, and they both deserved their Oscars. (Even though I think Geoffery Rush still deserved the Best Supporting Actor award).
And round of applause to Mark Wahlberg. Turning 40 this year and you will not be disappointed when you see him shirtless ladies.... trust me..
Did you know?
- Art Ramalho's gym is the actual Lowell West End Gym and not a set. This is in fact where Micky trained and is still a functioning boxing gym to this day.
- In the film, Christian Bale plays Dickie Eklund, who is 7 years older than his half-brother Mickey Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg. In reality, Wahlberg is 3 years Bale's senior.
- Matt Damon and Brad Pitt were previously attached to play Dick Eklund, but the role went to Christian Bale.
When to See It: A great go to movie for any mood you are in. Great for a date night movie since it has a little of everything.
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: Just under 2 hours
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