The Fighter (2010)

This is a true story of Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, 2 step brothers. They live in Lowell. Their's is a big family comprising many sisters, their mother Alice and Micky's father George. Dicky is Micky's boxing coach and dear brother. Dicky's ticket to fame and popularity in Lowell, is his fight with Sugar Ray Leonard around 14 yrs earlier. Alice manages Micky's career. The family as a whole, is very possessive about their 2 sons.

Dicky is a drug junkie and his is a case of wasted talent. HBO makes a movie on him to show the effects of drug addiction (crack). Micky's career is also jeopardized by Dicky's eccentric and crazy ways. Finally Micky meets his soul mate Charlene and better sense prevails. Slowly, Micky gets the right connections, leaves the distractions and emerges as a boxing champion. Reformed brother Dicky is also by Micky's side during his crowning moment of glory - the welterweight championship

Hits

• Christian Bale's makeover is a big surprise. He looks so lean, his teeth are dirty, his hair is crazy and his entire mannerisms border on the eccentric and crazy. The way he jumps from the building's window to escape his mom is hilarious. The way he gets his act together after he realizes that he was used by HBO as a case study, is a major turning point of the movie. Class act. 
• The huge possessive family comprising so many sisters is something new to Hollywood. Melissa Leo must rank among the most glamorous moms. She looks sexier than most of her daughters. 
• Mark Wahlberg's aggression is suited to this boxer role. He looks solid and his boxing fights are quite authentic. Amy Adams looks smoking hot as Charlene. Jack McGee as George and Mickey O'Keefe are 2 more middle aged men who are a vital part of the movie 

VERDICT

An uplifting, true sports story that has equal importance on family ties. Christian Bale leads the way