Grade: A-

The Fighter is a definite CONTENDER for Awards season this year.  Expect a nomination for supporting actor for Christian Bale definitely.  He plays Dicky Eklund, a washed up, drugged out, former boxer.  His younger brother Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg, possibly has his boxing career, if he can only shake the influences from his family.  Melissa Leo plays his mother, a firecracker fiercely devoted to her older son and refusing to acknowledge his addiction.  Amy Adams plays Micky’s love interest.  This is an entirely different role for her and she pulls it off beautifully.  The Fighter is based on a true story.  Worth seeing.