Sunday, May 24, 2009

DVD Review: The Wrestler

A true triumph of filmmaking!!!


This movie, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, takes us into the world of '80's wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Oscar Nominee Mickey Rourke) who is essentially down on his luck, with a daughter who he has never met but cannot stand him, a passing acquaintance with a stripper, Cassidy (Oscar winner Marisa Tomei) and bad health problems which threaten his very life, not to mention his career. He attempts to reconcile with his daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood) but is not successful, and attempts a relationship with Cassidy as well. He has to work in a supermarket deli to pay his rent, often having to sleep in his van. He is popular with the neighborhood kids, however, and even has a videogame on the Nintendo gaming system called Wrestle Jam '88 in which he and his arch-rival, the Ayatollah (former WCW wrestler Ernest "The Cat" Miller) battle. Several real wrestlers, mostly regional territory wrestlers (with the exception of WWE wrestler Ron "R-Truth" Killings) appear in the film as well. This is a terrific movie, not just for wrestling fans, but also for anyone who appreciates a great drama. I give this one 5 stars. See this movie!!!

1 comment:

In Search Of said...

Totally agree Henry! I was a wrestling fanatic as a kid/teen in the late 70's and early 80's and even though I dont enjoy wrestling as it is today,I still have fond memories of the great shows like Georgia Championship Wrestling with Gordon Solie,Freebirds,Mr.Wrestling II,Dibiase,Rich,Flair,Rhodes etc. This film probably hits home to someone like Tommy Rich and some of the many faded stars of the sport. The movie is one of the best films(even if you despise wrestling)that I have seen in quite sometime and I'm an avid film buff. So good to see Mickey back on top. I always liked the guy because he never took sh** from anyone and that is the reason that he was blackballed by many hollywood directors. He is a real life bad boy and ya gotta like that. His performance is the best of his career IMHO,and you could tell that he felt kinship with the character he plays. An excellent film and a must have for any movie fan. 5 stars indeed.