The FighterStarring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale.
Not just another boxing movie.
I can't say enough about this film. The story is true and interesting. The characters are believable and multi-faceted.
Mark Wahlberg has made some less than stellar decisions when it comes to choosing roles. But I think he usually turns in a solid performance. He's not a great actor, but he has film star appeal, and he doesn't suck. When he's in a good movie, he pulls it off, and he does so here, with perhaps the best role of his career.
But Christian Bale. Wow. I think this guy is among the best actors alive today, and this role as a likable emaciated crack addict boxing has-been is among his best ever if not the very best. This role takes him decisively out of the movie star category and places him in the great actors of all time category. See this film, if for no other reason, just to see excellence on the part of Christian Bale.
A little treat at the end is a sign-off by the real brothers upon which the story is based as the credits roll. In that moment it becomes apparent that Wahlberg's character was clearly embellished for the sake of film. But Bale's character is so spot-on with the genuine appearance, demeanor, and speech patterns of the real guy it's almost creepy if it wasn't so brilliant.
See it, see it, see it.