'60s french magic

mark wahlberg is a firework

david o. russell makes a directing comeback with this more run-of-the-mill feature, something definitely worth watching for anyone that likes a good underdog tale. feel free to disagree, but apart from unzipping in 1997's BOOGIE NIGHTS, marky mark can be a pretty boring actor. he stars as micky ward, a boxer that supports the unfortunate family that manages him.

the storyline follows the relationship of the family, highlighting the interesting, dramatic bond between brothers micky and dicky (christian bale in his best role yet--just try not to tear up in the film's last shot). pipedreams, greed for dollars, and fame tear the massachusetts townies apart. in the end we have the firework-inspired success story of a boxer whose main family members learn the value, strength, and importance of individual will power.

russell's THE FIGHTER is no plastic bag drifting through the wind. bale and melissa leo add the dynamite to a story that reflects the glistening, triumphant human spirit.