Review of Million Dollar Baby (2004) by Joshua J — 04 Sep 2013

I had the "benefit" of watching the Scary Movie parody year before I ever watched Million Dollar Baby, so the climax of the movie didn't hit me emotionally as hard as Eastwood would have liked it.

But looking at it through objective eyes, I can see why the Academy salivated over this. They love the pseudo-true story with a lesson genre, and having a great cast doesn't hurt your chances at all.

In the end, I felt disappointed and sad, not because the movie was bad, but because the whole feel of the movie just brought me down to earth, just like the main character. So much promise, yet we end up with hurt and disappointment.

I've never been one to shy away from a less than happy ending, but in this instance, I was definitely rooting for a ride off into the sunset. That being said, the performances were what you'd expect from such a talented cast.

Even Jay Baruchel, who was relatively unknown at the time, managed to make me tear up a little. All in all, a tragic movie that is unapologetic with its cruel and harsh message. Make some time in your week to watch this.

8/10.