The Wrestler: A Quick Review

"The Wrestler" once again proves that, for the most part, Fox Searchlight Pictures releases great movies. The exception to this rule would be "Napoleon Dynamite," which I thought was terrible and definitely regret seeing. "Juno" and "Slumdog Millionaire" would follow the aforementioned rule and are highly recommended...by me. First of all, the acting is fantastic in "The Wrestler." So it makes sense that Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei each got Oscar nominations for their work here. Mickey Rourke plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson. He's a wrestler, hence the title of the movie. In the 1980s he was at the top of his game, but 20 years later...not so much. Now he only wrestles on the weekends and tries to make ends meet working at a supermarket...but is planning on a comeback. His heart attack and other subsequent events prove to be a challenge to his plan. He also has a falling out with his daughter, Stephanie (Rachel Evan Wood) and becomes friends with a stripper named Pam/Cassidy (Marisa Tomei). Mickey Rourke is fantastic. He is convincing as a man with struggles and pain and his interactions with Marisa Tomei, who is fantastic as a single mom trying to make it. Rachel Evan Wood is also definitely believable. Watch "My Cousin Vinny" then watch "The Wrestler." That would be proof of Marisa Tomei's range as an actress. At times the movie can be depressing - which isn't at bad thing, because it's part of life. The overall look of the movie is pretty low budget (which it was) but it works so well for the emotional tone of the movie. I thought "The Wrestler" was a great movie...had there been 10 spots to fill for Best Picture nominees last year it definitely would have gotten a spot. So basically if you enjoy well-made movies or just these actors then give the movie a try.

-Joseph Sbrilli