Rating of
3.5/4
A great sports movie
Alex - wrote on 01/26/09
Sitting here a day later, I really liked this movie. It may even be better than Slumdog Millionaire. Only a second viewing will tell. There are a lot of things that I like about this movie and there are many things that I am disappointed with. Still, it is an extremely enjoyable standard drama in which Darren Aronofsky pulls of a directorial feat.
The Good: The acting is superb. It is almost shot in semi documentary style, the camera always behind Rourke or the main character. This is not as innovative as his last films but still pretty cool. The wrestling scenes are gruesome and very enjoyable. I also liked the small town atmosphere. I felt like this could happen in any town. The grunge element really lent a hand to the overall picture. Also, the script has a long of strong points. Overall, just a solid drama. The best since last years "There Will Be Blood" (though many will find it less boring - I actually loved There Will Be Blood").
The Bad: When watching a movie made by the same guy who did Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain, I was expecting awe inspiring visuals, far out concepts and amazing cinematography. This is above average in most aspects, but didn't do anything new. Another not so great thing is the hype around Rourke. How is this acting? Micky Rourke is the wrestler. I know I said this same thing about Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button but Brad Pitt was acting so well that he was the character. Rourke doesn't need to act here. I think he so much better in Sin City than in this movie - only because he was out of his element. If he gets an Oscar for this, Cruise should get one every time he plays a cool guy.
Other than that, the movie is really, really good. It is just a drama, so don't expect good music or cool visuals. I don't think I will add it to my top 100 anytime soon, but maybe after another viewing or 2.
