The Fighter (2010)

★★★★☆

This inspirational and very enjoyable biopic follows welterweight Micky Ward and his struggle with his family, his crack-addicted brother and role model Dicky Eklund, his reputation and his girlfriend. After loosing a fight Micky becomes a disappointment to his entire hometown until he is offered a shot at redemption. Now he must choose either a chance at the big leagues or stay in his hometown of Lowell with his family. I found this to be a great and truly inspiring “against all odds” story. Christian Bale steals the show as Micky’s brother. His portrayal as a mentally unstable, drug abusing has been was so dead on that I forgot it was Bale. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo were also great as Dicky’s girlfriend and mother. This is truly one of the best movies of the year.