Review of The Fighter (2010) by Ethan M — 15 May 2014
Strike three O. Russell, you're f***ing out! I don't go into any film expecting to hate it, and I give every director three chances to impress me, David O. Russell is out of chances. Although I did enjoy this a little more than "American Hustle", "The Fighter" is just too cliched and still features the 'David O Russell formula'.
What is the 'Russell formula'? 1) Unlikable characters. 2) Lots of people yelling, fighting, and treating other characters like crap. 3) Still getting lots of praise and awards for it. A word to the not-so-wise, David, having characters yell and act like a**holes does NOT make them "deep" or "tortured" unless you show it.
You did that with Bale in this film, who was much more enjoyable in the second half of the movie. Wahlberg's mom and sisters on the other hand, are never given a reason as to why they are such a**holes, they just are, which makes me HATE when they are on screen.
Amy Adams is OK but I wouldn't call her performance "award-worthy". Hell, Wahlberg almost sleepwalks through the whole movie. And in the end, the film boils down to a cliche ridden, underdog sports movie that has been done a million times before.
Only this film has the addition of unlikable characters. I don't care if this is how the actual people acted in real life, the tired, dated, and obvious formula is still there. I hate to use the term "overrated", but that is exactly what David O.
Russell is to me, overrated. In my mind, you deserve none of the praise, and awards that you have gotten. I gave you three films, THREE FILMS that got you nominations from the Academy, some of them you actually won.
I don't care if you direct the next James Bond, the next "Casino", or the next "Godfather", I am done with you! So congratulations David O. Russell, you are the first director to "strike-out" with me.
This review of The Fighter (2010) was written by Ethan M on 15 May 2014.
The Fighter has generally received very positive reviews.
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