Student Film Reviews

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1. Linda Sweatt 01.29.11 / 10pm

   I too found this to be an excellent film, especially the way the fighter overcomes and unites his disfuncional family with his own personal success. Most people have to leave one behind to achieve the other. This is truly a remarkable story of human determination and comittment. It is a testimony to the ability of true love to conquer all!
2. Jenna Cohen 02.05.11 / 5pm

   The Fighter was one of the films that captivated me this year. The real life story of the two brothers involved in the wrestling business and their complicated family ties was duplicated so precisely, I felt like I was watching a documentary. Mark Wahlberg spent countless months in the gym to prepare for his role and fought a tough battle to get this movie script up and rolling. His hard work to create this film, alongside Christian Bale’s phenomenal performance as his brother Dickie are what truly make this film outshine all of the other films in 2010. It is a family drama with a lot of external and internal struggles from the two brothers, their entire family, and Amy Adam’s character. Their is true heart involved in the acting amongst the entire cast. The director David Russell did a superb job of creating the film to be shown as true to real life as possible. The story behind the film is something that does not hit home to me but I felt passionate about the real life story once watching this film. This film is one of the best family drama films I have seen and would not have been done without the fantastic cast. This film is nonconventional and not a Hollywood Blockbuster. It is not over dramatized or convey unreal or over the top elements. It is a film that exudes realism and a type of energy from the actors that is prevalent on screen. All in all, The Fighter is a film that should not be overlooked and
3. Jake Cohen 03.01.11 / 6pm

   I found fighter to be one of the best movies of the year! Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale’s chemistry together was impeccable on screen. Bale did a superb job in a really tough role. His Oscar winning performance puts a lot of emotion into the film. It was interesting to see the point of view of a large and poor family struggling for success. Amy Adams performance as Charlene has been shadowed in the success of Bale and Wahlberg, although she deserves an immense amount of respect as well. She played a strong role which played as a metaphor to the story of Micky Ward.
4. Danielle Hines 03.15.11 / 12pm

   This review scratched the surface of this amazing movie. It explained each main character perfectly as well as illuminating the implicit theme of the movie. I really enjoyed seeing this movie! If I had not seen this movie before seeing this review I would be convinced to go and see it. I liked that this movie was based on a true story. In this movie the fighter realizes he needs his dysfunctional family in order to achieve his goal. I feel like this type of situation is very realistic and I could relate it to my own life. I feel like the cast fit their parts perfectly and the movie would not be as good as it is without them!
5. Ozan Alemdar 03.16.11 / 7pm

   I would have to agree, “The Fighter” was one of the greatest films of the decade. It brought the best out of Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale as actors, and not to mention left a mark in the genre of boxing films. Especially since films under this genre either become an instant hit or a complete miss, it took courage to make a film of this sort. As mentioned in this review there were three aspects that made “The Fighter” so successful, the thin humor throughout the film, the brilliant acting, and most importantly the dysfunctional family. With that said I truly believe this review greatly explained one of my all time favorite movies.
6. Lexi Hindemith 03.18.11 / 1pm

   I loved this movie. Already being a huge fan of Mark Wahlberg, despite him being in way too many movies in my opinion recently, i thought that this movie took the gold for not only boxing films that i have seen, but of the year. The plot of the movie made a large variety of people able to relate to the film. The family and their many flaws are not uncommon ones, and i found myself relating several parts of the film to people that I have come across in my life. The two brothers were cast perfectly for the parts in my opinion and their very interesting characters kept the movie going. Great film, great actors, great plot.
7. Trevor Swigart 03.18.11 / 6pm

   I just recently saw this movie because I had heard such great reviews about it, and really enjoyed it. I thought all of the acting in it was great, they were able to make it look real and not like they were acting. I also enjoyed it simply because of the fact that it was based on a true story, which is one of my favorite types of film. I also thought that it was made very well in the fact that all of the characters and settings around them tied in very well.
8. Nicholas Serrano 03.18.11 / 8pm

   If you like sports movies or underdog movies you will really enjoy The Fighter. The Fighter chronicles the life of Micky Ward a real life boxer who came out of the Boston area. To play a boxer they obviously need a very macho actor right? That’s why the confident and sometimes cocky Mark Wahlberg is a perfect actor to play Micky. Micky is trying to make it to the big stage which entails a nationally televised match as well as a victory over a more famous boxer. Micky is pummeled in his first match so much that he is embarrassed but he was fighting someone not even in his weight class. Micky meets Charlene who is played by Amy Adams. Charlene is a bartender and a girl that’s a little rough around the edges (as are most of the characters in the film).
   Charlene pushes Micky to follow is dream which I wont go into detail about. Then of course there is Christian Bale playing Dicky who is Micky’s brother. All you need to know is Christian Bale as he does in most of his movies (Batman, The Machinist, The Dark Knight) he completely commits to his role even slimming down to a sickly skinny figure who is sometimes helpful to Micky and sometimes just dead weight. The performances are great as is the film. Better than Rocky!!
9. Ken Sterling 03.21.11 / 12am

   Another stellar performance by Christian Bale, a method actor who never ceases to amaze. Whether he is Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho”, Bruce Wayne in Batman or Trevor Reznik in “The Machinist,” Bale’s all too familiar face is soon forgotten and lost within the characters he plays. Bale’s portrayal of Dicky in “The Fighter” was worthy of an Oscar and I knew this months before the award show. In truth, Mark Wahlberg was a great supporting actor, even though he was the protagonist of the story. Wahlberg’s understated acting allowed Bale and Melissa Leo (Alice Ward) to deliver memorable performances. Overall, this movie is excellent and a must see.
10. Harold Pennington 03.22.11 / 1pm

    The fighter was one of the best films that i watched this year. The cast is amazing, they did a good job of being really believable. Which helped with the realism of the story, to me this is important; since the film was based off a true story. The story line wasn’t anything that couldn’t have happened in real life which i really liked. The movie is about a lot more than just fighting, really good watch!
11. Jennifer Soucy 04.04.11 / 11pm

    I agree with all of the descriptions of each character. The actors made me fall in love with this film even more. They were brilliant and captured the meaning of the story perfectly. At the very end of the movie it shows the real brothers that Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg play. This was amazing for me to watch, because Christian Bale copied his character exactly. I believe he made a big impact on the film due to his outstanding acting skills that really captured the part. The film seemed very real to me, and that this situation could be like anyones, involving the family struggles, drugs, etc. Mark Wahlberg brought a lot to this movie as well, as I believe he always does. Who suprised me was Amy Adams. She tends to play the innocent, sweet girl, and in this film she was far from that. Each person brought so much to the movie, making it an amazing film to watch.
12. Alec Stoll 04.29.11 / 8pm

    The Fighter which was directed by David Russell was a very good film. I really enjoyed the fact that it was based on a true story. These underdog stories are great to see and it is even better when you know that it is a true story. The acting was very good which makes sense since Mark Wahlberg is very good. He definitely fit the part and he made the character seem very real and come to life. I think that the story was very good and the fact that they made it into a movie was a very good idea. I recommend this film to anyone that wants to see a great story.
13. William Thomas 06.20.11 / 9pm

    I totally agree with your review. This was a great story and well written, but the acting of Wahlberg and Bale put it over the top as a great movie. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Dicky, the crackhead tweaker was right on the mark in his mannerisms and speech. I too, forgot I was watching Christian Bale acting as Dicky. The movie got to me emotionally and it caught me off guard. I did not realize that I was that moved by the story until Micky won the title. This was the best fight movie I have watched. Superior to Rocky and a true story as well.
14. Amie Fowler 06.22.11 / 4pm

    The Fighter was a film that I thought I would hate, but I ended up loving. I despise the sport of boxing; I don’t understand how people can enjoy watching other people hurt each other. I watched the film because my boyfriend had really wanted to see it, and I’m glad he made me watch. It is a wonderful story about a fighter who comes from a messed up family who basically uses him and his boxing talent to pay the bills. The mother in the film, Alice, treats Dicky (the crack head) like the angel in the family, and leaves all the crap and blame for Micky. I felt myself pulling for Micky immediately in the film, not only because he was used by his family, but because you could tell he was a good guy and you wanted him to succeed. I thought it was hilarious that Dicky told everyone he was being filmed by HBO on his comeback into the sport of boxing, when in reality it HBO was filming the documentary on drug addiction and addicts.
15. Bryan Beverly 11.01.11 / 3pm

    The Fighter was truly a touching film. Mark Wahlberg did a great job of acting the part. It was a story of a former boxer who is now a washed up drug addict who trains his little brother to become the next big thing. Dicky constantly reminisces over his victory over Ray Leonard many years ago. What I really enjoyed about this film was the harsh obstacles that Micky went through to live his life. He felt like he always had something to prove. All in all, this is a very inspiring true story about two brothers living opposite lives who figure out how to come together to be a happy family.
16. Alec Stoll 07.13.13 / 3pm

    I really enjoyed this movie as it was very entertaining. The fact that it was based on a true story really made it better because it was very motivational that someone could overcome what Micky did. I am a big Mark Wahlberg fan and he did a great job in this film. It was a little slow at parts but it had enough action and storyline to keep it going. After the movie it even motivated me to work out after seeing the shape that these fighters were in. Overall it was a very good movie and I would recommend it.
17. Andrew Stern 07.19.13 / 4pm

    I thought that The Fighter was a great film. I thought that both Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale did a phenomenal job in the film and I can see why Bale received Best Supporting Actor for the part. I loved the story of it and thought that it was very inspirational. The character development within the film was very well done and I enjoyed watching the film. Also, the fact that this film was based on a true story makes it even that much more special. I thought that this was a great film and was probably one of the best fight movies I have ever seen.
18. Ryan Smith 04.04.14 / 1pm

    I really liked this movie. I thought your review of the plot and the actors was on point and explained everything well. I had no idea Bale lost 30 pounds to fit the role. It is probably one of the best films I have seen. Mark Wahlberg is always excellent (Top 3 favorite actors) and I thought Christian Bale performed his part perfectly as well, both actors embraced the roles and made it seem real. What I liked most about this movie was that it was a true story. By Bale and Wahlberg acting skills, as well as the supporting cast; it was so much easier to believe what is going on. I read above on somebody else’s review that is better than the “Rocky” series and I would have to agree.
19. Joseph Vasco 07.07.14 / 5pm

    Being a fan of Mark Wahlberg’s work, I couldn’t wait to see this film when it first came out. The Fighter (2010) had everything going for it – great actors, great script, and the fact it was based on a true story, which is my favorite type of film to watch. I believe the reviewer did a nice job covering the basic storyline of the film, as well as giving us a brief look into the main characters – two boxing brothers, played by Wahlberg and Christian Bale. The supporting cast along with the film set in Lowell, Massachusetts, tied the story together making it not only one of the best films of 2010 – but one of the top fight movies to be ever made.
20. Lawrence Gleeson 10.16.14 / 9pm

    I agree. I enjoyed the human element of the dysfunctional Wards, too. At times, the story moves a little far into the Hollywood entertainment for my tastes. At other times as you mention, the story really does tug at the emotions. Amy Adams’ performance, in my opinion, had a very authentic feel. Not a totally consummate performance but still. She nails some of the scenes. You mentioned “skank” and the porch scene with the sisters was one and another one for me is where she passionately tells Mickey what he needs to hear. For me, it was a moment of truth for her character. She sees potential in Mickey and risks a great deal in doing so. It pays off in the end. And, yes. Christian Bale’s performance is a phenomenal caricature of a small-time, crack addicted hustler. I feel the story makes some big jumps as Dickie, however, big-hearted he ends up, gets back into the fold very rapidly. Saving the best for last as I saw “The Fighter,” at AFI Fest as a mystery film. Mr. Wahlberg took the stage at the pre-remodeled Chines Theatre and spoke very candidly about the four years he spent trying to get the movie made. Again, I think you are so right about his performance. Thank you!
21. Corinne Howie 10.17.14 / 2pm

    I personally have never seen The Fighter, but by the way you described this movie I think it would be a great movie to watch. In your review I didn’t see any grammar or spelling errors. The structure of your review was well done and thoroughly put together. Overall, you did an excellent job! I also liked the way you talked about the movie with such enthusiasm and depth. I could tell that you really liked and enjoyed this movie, by how you wrote this review. I also liked the layout of the review; it was nicely detailed and written out.
22. will thomas 03.06.15 / 12pm

    I enjoyed reading your review of The Fighter (David O. Russell 2010) and just so happen to agree with you on your assessment. Russell did a great job intertwining archival footage of the real Irish Mickey Ward and the film version played by Mark Wahlberg. The body modification both Wahlberg and Christian Bale undertook to play their respective parts was no easy task. Both actors sacrificed greatly to look the part of a crackhead and boxer. I actually got tears in my eyes at the end of Mickey’s title bout and I do not cry at very many movies, so using that as a gauge I will give The Fighter two thumbs up.
23. Geoffrey Boss 04.24.15 / 10pm

    I undoubtedly agree with this review in that Christian Bale’s performance was incredible. I too at times during the film forgot that I was watching Christian Bale, who is much better known for being the dark knight. His ability to portray a drug addict was spot on, as he seemed like such a realistic person in the film.
24. Steven Ledesma 07.18.15 / 3pm

    I have seen this movie many times and every time I see it it just keeps getting better and better. I mean Christian Bale was just jaw dropping in this movie. Like some people before me said he just played this spot in the film so perfectly and I don’t think anyone could have played it better. I was kind of skeptical at first to see it because I had heard it was very intense movie but once I started watching I couldn’t stop. I felt like I was a part of their family and not many movies do that but this one was just so much different and just brought you in closer than you would ever expect to be.
25. KatherineSulzbach 10.14.16 / 2pm

    I agree with you in that it was an excellent film. However, I think it falls short of Rocky in that for whatever reason, the characters don’t resonate with the audience the way that they did in Rocky. For whatever reason, Rocky and Adrien have become characters in the cinematic lexicon in a way that others have not.
26. Jacob Mohler 01.20.20 / 12pm

    Really awesome review! I completely with what you said about forgetting that Dicky Eklund is Christian Bale. He becomes so emerged into the role and truly fits the character. He is a brilliant method actor and really makes the roles he plays his own.
27. Evan Liner 03.05.21 / 5pm

    The Fighter was such a great movie! I remember watching like six years ago and never truly analyzed it. Your review really expanded my understanding of this film. I agree that the angles and shots of the HBO crew, as you said, really made it more authentic and you could feel the intensity of every fight. Mark Wahlberg was the perfect actor for this role in my opinion and it really made the film feel “higher production.” Overall, this is definitely a movie that keeps you up out of your seat and fully engaged. Another hit movie for Mark Wahlberg.

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