HOLLYWOOD—David O. Russell’s drama “The Fighter” is an epic knockout.  With such stellar performances from an all-star cast, this is a film that will have you cheering. This is a boxing tale about Irish boxer Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg), who attempts to triumph from the shadow of his brother Dicky Ecklund (Christian Bale). Dicky is the talk of his hometown Lowell, Mass. for battling with Sugar Ray Leonard and knocking him out in the ring, but his addiction to crack led to his downfall. This film is such an inspiration because Mickey is a survivor; he’s resilient and passionate about being a champion in the boxing ring where everyone doubts his ability.

After a bad fight, Mickey is ready to throw in the towel, but decides to continue to pursue his dreams with the help of his father, George (Jack McGee) and his new girlfriend, Charlene (Amy Adams). Amidst Mickey’s attempt to regain his pride, he has to deal with turbulent issues with his dysfunctional family including his mother/manager Alice (Melissa Leo) in a fierce performance that resonates with the audience; she’s a matriarch driven to keep her family together at all cost.

“The Fighter” is so powerful because of the various themes throughout the film: the power of redemption, addiction, family and love.  We all have dysfunctional families. While we may not always acknowledge it, this film makes the audience think about their family and those dynamics we’re sometimes embarrassed to talk about. Mickey is forced to deal with that issue inside the ring as well as outside of the ring. The ability to continue to chase after your dream after being beaten down can destroy a person.  The boxing ring can be brutal, but so can your family and the town you live in; it’s a lot for a person to deal with, but Mickey rises above those obstacles.

Bale’s performance as a crack addict is exhilarating. The transformation he makes and his ability to infuse so much charisma and fire on the screen takes the film to another level. This is the actor’s finest work to date and makes him a front-runner for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. There is a jaw-dropping scene in the film where Alice finds Dicky at the crack house.  The expression on her face of shame and guilt eats away at her son’s soul.  He knows his mother is troubled by his behavior, but for all his faults Dicky is indeed a good soul. His ability to reform his life and assist his brother in doing something he wasn’t able to do shows the power of family.

Adams is a treat as the sharp-tongued girlfriend who isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind and let Mickey know who his family is even if it creates a riot between his sisters and his mother.

Russell gives the audience a great feel for the city of Lowell, through the scenery and the gritty backdrop. While boxing may not be everyone’s favorite sport, this film will make you a lover of the sport. Wahlberg delivers some of his best acting in decades in this tale. Not only does he play the driven underdog, he plays the role of the conflicted son, boyfriend and town hero in so many facets. The audience roots for him and that’s because there’s a certain level of suspense in the ring surrounding Ward.  Will he do it or will he not? The moviegoer is forced to ask these questions on countless occasions and that’s the beauty of the great writing.

“The Fighter” is the type of inspirational film that forces viewers to re-evaluate their lives and those of the people surrounding them.  With a cast of actors that deliver some of the finest performances I’ve seen this year, this is an excellent tale that happens to be based on a true story that’s amazing. This is a must-see film that people will be talking about for days, weeks, months, perhaps years to come.  Go see it!