Bodyguards & Assassins / Shi yue wei cheng (DVD Review)

Image: Courtesy of eOne Films

Dir: Teddy Chan (The Accidental Spy )
Cast: Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Xueqi Wang, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Simon Yam, Yun Zhou, Nicholas Tse, Yuchun Li, Mengke Bateer, Cung Le
China/Hong Kong, 2009

Reason to see: I'm a big fan of both Donnie Yen & Simon Yam - I'll see anything they are in, especially together.

Bodyguards & Assassins / Shi yue wei cheng is set in 1905 Hong Kong, or then the British Colony City of Victoria, and the events leading up to a secret meeting to establish an anti-Qing revolutionary front by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. The meeting is of utmost importance, and has the supporters working to ensure that Dr. Sun Yat-Sen attends even in the face of assassins and anti-revolutionaries are working to stop him.

Although the focus of the film is always pointing to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and in importance of the meeting, the almost exclusively from the point of view of the everyday people of Hong Kong. Not only their part if the bigger picture to support or deter the meeting, but their everyday lives of work, family and love. It gentle pairs the personal with the political, that all actions lead to the bigger pictures and all moments have importance on multiple levels. Motivations are usually very clear and hold strong not just for what they will bring today, but what they will bring in the future beyond. On the rare occasion where someone doesn't fit snugly on one side or the other, you can feel the rift they create in both.

I'm more of an action-over-history fan myself, so I was really coming to the film for the action sequences and the fact that Donnie Yen (Flash Point / Dao huo xian) is in it, but that's not the focus here. I did enjoy the action sequences but they aren't the central focus here and it takes quite a bit of lead up to get to them. The films strengths are definitely the long arc storytelling and bridging the strong and complex characters to a pinpoint in history. The art direction is quite extraordinary and I loved how real everything felt and looked.

It's absolutely beautiful to watch visually as well as to see the complex stories of everyday people unfold. The theme of showing the importance and affect that people can have on the impact on history, is inspiring and thought-provoking. Although not quite what I was expecting, Bodyguards & Assassins / Shi yue wei cheng was a compelling film to watch.

DVD Extras:

• Behind the Scenes: Character (22 minutes)exploring the characters of The Revolutionary, The Tycoon, The Girl Fighter, The Troupe Master, The Rickshawman, The Young Girl, The Young Heir, The Hawker, The Inspector, The Beggar, The Assassin, The Mistress, The Gambler film clips, behind the scenes and interviews with director Teddy Chan, producer Peter Chan the actors including Simon Yam, Nicholas Tse on their characters on what they represent in the film and to the audience, and their relationships with each other within the film and noting when the actors are playing characters against type and a fair amount of behind the scenes on the fighting sequences; Set Design (3 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes and interviews including with production designer Kenneth Mak on the set creation of Hong Kong the 300 people that constructed set which would take half a year to create and includes reaction from people on the authenticity and vast scale of the set; Costume & Make Up (3 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes and interviews with director Teddy Chan, costume designer Dora Ng, special make-up designer Mark Garbarino, on the authenticity of the costumes, prosthetics & application of the make-up and the choices for specific characters including The Rickshawman and The Gambler (includes some footage also included in character behind the scenes); Action (4 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes and interviews with director Teddy Chen discussing process working with action director Wei Tung and the choice of wanting want it to look like a martial arts film and a the focus to be on realistic and fighting with fierceness, also includes interviews with producer Peter Chan, actor Mengke Bateer (includes some footage also included in Character behind the scenes). All behind the scenes features include English subtitles.

Bodyguard & Assassins is available on DVD as of March 15, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it to fans of historically set films with action elements

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011


Image: Donnie Yen in Bodyguards & Assassins. Courtesy of eOne Films


Image: Yun Zhou as Ah Suen in Bodyguards & Assassins. Courtesy of eOne Films

A Shine of Rainbows (DVD Review)

Image: Courtesy of eOne Films.

Dir: Vic Sarin (Partition)
Cast: Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson, Tara Alice Scully, Niamh Shaw
Canada/Ireland, 2010

Reason to see: Looks inspiring and warm hearted

A Shine of Rainbows follows orphan Tomás (John Bell), who is appears shy and skittish through his orphanage upbringing full of brasher and bolder boys. But Tomás has a kind spirit and sense of whimsy, something which is not only seen but shared with the lovely Maire O'Donnell (Connie Nielsen), who comes in to Tomás life to offer a more colourful option to the drab orphanage.

Venturing to Corrie Island off the coast of Ireland, is new for Tomás with the open air and water, virtually surrounded by nature at every angle is very different from the city orphanage. Although it's unusual it's a welcome change even if it takes a bit of getting used to not only for Tomás, but for Maire's husband Alec (Aidan Quinn) whom is a little less eager and enthusiastic.

The heart of the film is really in the magic of the relationships, and how seeing, believing and encouraging someone can have a monumental effect on them for the rest of their lives. How even the simple act of being kind or open, the gesture to let someone make up their own mind in heir own time, can bring a beautiful sense of self and strength. I really loved how A Shine of Rainbows showcased the power and effect of simple kindness, and how it can literally be life changing. I really enjoyed the gentle family relationship created between Tomás and Maire, and was particularly impressed with the performance by John Bell who really hold his own as the central character of the film. You are always rooting for him and encouraging him, hoping he'll see through enduring the drab orphanage days to enjoying and embracing the everyday adventures of Corrie life.

A truly inspiring and beautiful film, A Shine of Rainbows is a treat for families of all ages.

DVD Extras:

• So Many Colours: The Making of A Shine of Rainbows (48 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes footage, production meetings and interviews with writer/director Vic Sarin, producer Kim Robert, producer Tina Pehme, Donegal County Film Liason Aideen Doherty, casting director John Hubbard, animatronics supervisor Neal Scanlan, dialogue coach Brendan Gunn, art department Cheryl Rock, costume designer Susan Scott, visual effects supervisor Dermot Shane, line producer Chris Rudolph, The Henry Girls, composer Keith Power and actors Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn and John Bell on the book, the appeal of the story, the adaptation, locations, casting, working on a co-production, working on location in Ireland including challenges of the weather, challenges of magical realism, creating the visual effects, creating the music and the importance and significance of colour in the film and the films message.

A Shine of Rainbows is available on DVD as of March 15, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to fans of inspiring films & family films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011


Image: John Bell and Connie Nielsen star in A Shine of Rainbows Courtesy E1 Entertainment


Image: Tara Alice Scully as Nancy, John Bell as Tomás, and Jack Gleeson as Seamus Courtesy of E1 Entertainment

Film Fan Fridays for Friday March 18, 2011

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday March 18, 2011! Epic week of releases. Count 'em: 12 films. 12! That's crazy! It's mostly limited release but still... 12! Jeepers!

In limited release this week we have the second film of the Book to Film Club Selection with Jane Eyre (2011), the adaptation of the novel by Charlotte Brontë starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland (2010)), Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) and Jamie Bell (Billy Elliott) and I'm so excited for this one as I really loved the book. We have two Canadian films in release this week with Amazon Falls centred on a faded-but-resistant b-movie actress and The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom set in 1976 featuring 11 year old with an identity crisis. Also 70's set if Kill the Irishman crime biopic of Danny Greene starring Ray Stevenson. We also have the South Korean film I Saw the Devil from The Good, the Bad, the Weird director Kim Jee-Woon, but with the tagline "Abandon All Compassion" I'm a little leery, although still curious. Keeping it international we have the China/Hong Kong/USA action comedy The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman, an Italian comedy set during the US/Russian space race with Cosmonaut, German drama When We Leave and the Thursday March 17, 2011 release of A Screaming Man.

In wide release this week we have what I referred to on this weeks podcast as the battle of the cute boys with Bradley Cooper in Limitless and Matthew McConaughey in The Lincoln Lawyer - both films are also book to film adaptations. Rounding out the wide releases is the scifi/comedy Paul starring Simon Pegg & Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) as alien affictionatos who actually meet an (animated) alien voiced by Seth Rogen.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

The Female Eye Film Festival
Continues until March 20, 2011 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival
March 17 - 20, 2011 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thursday March 17, 2011 Releases

A Screaming Man / Un Homme qui crie
Writer/Dir: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun (Daratt, Our Father)
Cast: Youssouf Djaoro, Dioucounda Koma, Emile Abossolo M'bo
France/Belgium/Chad
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer

Friday March 18, 2011 Releases

Amazon Falls
Writer/Dir: Katrin Bowen - feature film directorial debut
Cast: April Telek, Anna Mae Routledge, Zak Santiago, Gabrielle Rose
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman / Dao Jian Xiao
Dir: Wuershan - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Masanobu Ando, You Benchang, Liu Xiaoye
China/Hong Kong/USA
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer

Cosmonaut / Cosmonauta
Dir: Susanna Nicchiarelli (Uomini e zanzare)
Cast: Marianna Raschillà, Claudia Pandolfi, Sergio Rubini
Italy
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

I Saw the Devil / Akmareul boatda
Dir: Kim Jee-Woon (The Good, the Bad, the Weird, A Tale of Two Sisters)
Cast: Lee Byung-hyun, Choi Min-Sik, Jeon Ho-jin, Jeon Gook-hwan
South Korea
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Jane Eyre (2011)
Dir: Cary Fukunaga (Sin nombre)
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Kill the Irishman
Dir: Jonathan Hensleigh (The Punisher (2004))
Cast: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Linda Cardellini, Fionnula Flanagan
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Limitless
Dir: Neil Burger (The Illusionist (2006), The Lucky Ones)
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro, Abbie Cornish
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Lincoln Lawyer
Dir: Brad Furman (The Take)
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, John Leguizamo, Frances Fisher
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Paul
Dir: Greg Mottola (Adventureland, Superbad)
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen (voice), Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver
Spain/France/UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

When We Leave / Die Fremde
Writer/Dir: Feo Aladag - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller, Derya Alabora
Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom
Writer/Dir: Tara Johns - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Macha Grenon, Julia Stone, Gil Bellows
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of March 18, 2011**

Sharktopus (DVD Review)

Photo - Courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment

Dir: Declan O'Brien (Cyclops, Monster Ark, Rock Monster)
Cast: Eric Roberts, Sara Malakul, Kerem Bursin, Julián González, Shandi Finnessey, Héctor Jiménez
USA, 2010 (TV)

Reason to see: Wh0 could resist a film called Sharktopus? Not me! Bring on the teeth & tentacles!

Shartopus is one heck of a fun film. The idea is totally crazy, of a half-shark half-octopus creation that's coming to get ya! I loved it. I loved it! It knows exactly what kind of movie it is and embraces it on all levels. It's totally crazy and totally fun.

The Sharktopus itself is definitely the main focus here with it causing havoc to swimmers and beach lovers, but behind the science of it all we have science folk Nathan Sands (Eric Roberts) and daughter Nicole Sands (Sara Malakul) who are the brains behind creating Sharktopus and then the science/gun-for-hire as Andy Flynn (Kerem Bursin) whose reeled in to reel in the crazy creature itself. I actually really enjoyed Eric Roberts here who does a great job of not quite going campy, but certainly bringing a sly amount of humour to the mix keeping things moving along but also a lot of fun along the way.

We also have a combination of creature seekers and skeptics trying their best to follow or fall back from the Sharktopus action and of course following water dwelling creature means we have beach and blood scenes galore with lots of little bathing suits - which is the only thing I could have done without, at least in such volume and almost exclusively femme-focused, but it's pretty expected giving the context and setting and because it's made for TV it actually doesn't feel that gratuitous.

Overall, Sharktopus is a really fun film and I had a great time watching it. I'm thrilled to see that we are seeing SyFy films show up on DVD (and BluRay!) as a way fro us folks here in Canada to actually have a way to see them as we don't have access to the SyFy channel and they are just about to hit the 200th original film. Wow. They know what they are doing because it really hits all the right, fun marks for an entertaining popcorn movie and I can't wait to watch it again. Good times!

DVD Extras:

• Audio commentary with producers Roger Corman & Julie Corman I really enjoyed this commentary, they talk a lot about independent film making process from challenges to changes over the years, as well as the format of SyFy films and the needs and wants of that particular audience, the differences in focus for making films for TV vs theatre, keeping with the changing times, and lots of great enthusiasm for the film as well as frankness of challenges faced. Independent producer and filmmaker Perry Martin is also on the commentary and he's great at asking interesting questions that lead to informative discussions.
• Trailer

Sharktopus is available on DVD as of March 15, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca
& Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I really enjoyed it
I'd easily watch it again
I recommend to fans of monster movies and low-budget, fun filled films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Movie Moxie Podcast 29: Red Riding Hood plus Werewolf Films as a Genre

This week on the Movie Moxie Podcast Shannon chats about the recent Genie Awards along with recent release of Red Riding Hood and Werewolf Films as a Genre.

You can subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Or subscribe through iTunes here.

Show Notes
0:00 – 6:00 - Introduction
6:00 – 12:10 – Genie Awards
12:10 – 22:15 – Red Riding Hood Review
22:15 – 44:30 – Werewolf Films as a Genre
44:30 – 47:45 – DVD releases
47:45 – 0:00 – Upcoming up Next Week
0:00 – 0:00 – Outro

Show Notes

• I mention the podcast Podcast Answer Man
• I mention the CBC Podcast The Age of Persuasion, specifically the episode AOP goes to the Movies
• Genie Winners
• Film Fan Fridays Newsletter Sign Up Here
• DVD Releases of the week
• I mention Before the Dawn, my Twilight podcast

Werewolf Films as a Film Genre Show Notes

• Shannon's Definition of Werewolf Film: Films with a werewolf, werewolves in them or where the central focus is around werewolves. Werewolves defined as humans who turn into wolves or werewolves, usually uncontrollable on the full moon, but not exclusively so. Werewolf films are generally horror films and often feature impressive make-up and effects especially in the depiction of the werewolf transformations.
• Wolfathon Post
• Wolfathon Vlog
• Classic Werewolf Films: The Wolfman (1941), Werewolf of London, She-Wolf of London, The Wolfman (2010)
• 70's Craziness: Fury of the Wolfman, The / La furia del Hombre Lobo
• 80's Werewolf Films: An American Werewolf in London, The Howling, Wolfen
• 90's Werewolf Films: Bad Moon, American Werewolf in Paris
• Romance-centric Werewolf Films: Hair of the Beast, The / Le poil de la bête, Blood & Chocolate
• Shannon's Faves: An American Werewolf in London, Ginger Snaps, Ladyhawke, Wolfen
• Hybrid Films/Werewolves not the focus but they are there: The Twilight Saga: New Moon , The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
• List of all Werewolf Films Reviews
• Werewolf Films Recommended by Others: American Werewolf in Paris, Dog Soldiers, Ginger Snaps 2, The Company of Wolves, Cursed, Les Pacts Des Loupes, Wolf, Curse of the Werewolf and Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein - thanks to Kurt, Christian, Rob, Kristin, Andrew, Reg & Doug!
• Werewolves on the small screen: Being Human (UK & North American), Teen Wolf (June 2011)

Reverend's Interview: The Governess & the Ghosts

Henry James' 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw has been giving people the creeps for well over a hundred years. A tale of ghosts, repressed sexual desire and probable pedophilia set in a British manor, it has served as the source of a play, film adaptations (the best received being 1961's The Innocents, starring Deborah Kerr, which I just put in my Netflix queue) and an opera. The latter, written by gay composer Benjamin Britten, is currently having a satisfyingly spooky, beautifully staged and sung revival by LA Opera that runs through March 30 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Britten, however, isn't the only LGBT link to the current production. Highly acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette plays the lead role of the Governess, and she is an out lesbian. Prior to a recent phone interview I conducted with her, I wasn't aware just how out and proud is Racette. She justly but humorously chastised me for my ignorance.

"Oh my God," Racette declared, "You don't know?" She then illuminated me with mentions of her many appearances in LGBT publications, her recent involvement in the "It Gets Better" campaign against bullying of LGBT teens and, most significantly, her partnership of 14 years.

Racette and her partner, Beth, call Santa Fe, New Mexico their "home base" but the singer-actress performs throughout the US and around the world. Racette has previously starred in LA Opera mountings of Madama Butterfly and La Rondine, and has performed with such prestigious companies as New York's Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, the Royal Opera House, La Scala in Milan, Vienna State Opera and Opera National de Paris.

While she has appeared in other operas by Britten, this is Racette's first time playing the Governess in The Turn of the Screw. "Yeah, this is a really big deal for me," she said. "It's a wonderful cast, and this is a role that has always been on my list of roles to play. I'd been offered it before but it didn't work out for one reason or another."

Racette called LA Opera's production, which is directed by Francesca Gilpin, "an interesting treatment, staged in vignettes, of an intriguing story." Indeed, Gilpin updates James's original tale and Britten's libretto to the 1950's and stages it in a bright, airy house during Christmas time as opposed to the traditional dark, gothic setting. This actually makes the appearances of the story's two ghosts — Mr. Quint (William Burden) and Miss Jessel (Tamara Wilson, looking like a grown-up version of the vengeful child wraith in the movie, The Ring) — all the more unexpected and unsettling.

Central to the text is the disturbing, lingering question of whether Mr. Quint sexually abused the Governess's two young charges, Miles (an excellent performance by 12-year old Michael Kepler Meo) and Flora (Ashley Emerson). The current production doesn't leave much to speculation in this regard, especially during Act II's opening scene wherein Quint caresses the sleeping Miles' body while he and Miss Jessel repeatedly sing, "The ceremony of innocence is drowned," cribbing from a poem by W.B. Yeats.

"I think this is something that's debatable, but there's always a bit of a homosexual or pedophilia theme in Britten's work," Racette replied to my question of whether she saw any resonance for the LGBT community in the opera. "The Governess is definitely not gay," she laughed, "but the story has a relevance and complexity, especially in the character of Quint. It is provocative."

Other operas composed by Britten, who was unique for being openly gay in early-20th century Britain, include the classics Peter Grimes and Billy Budd as well as a musical setting of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The year 2013 will mark what would have been Britten's 100th birthday, so expect many opera companies to perform his works between now and then.

According to Racette, "Peter Grimes is musically complicated but not as musically complicated as The Turn of the Screw and the role of the Governess." Under the musical direction of LA Opera's always impressive James Conlon, the opening night performance on March 12 was aurally spectacular. There are only six singers in The Turn of the Screw (the other cast member is Ann Murray as the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose) accompanied by a small orchestra, making it a chamber opera rather than a full-blown, chorus-infused production. The cast's voices melded together both gloriously and, when called for, eerily.

There aren't too many operatic ghost stories, although ghosts are all the rage nowadays on TV with various investigative reality series devoted to them. I encourage ghost-obsessed Angelenos and others to catch Patricia Racette and The Turn of the Screw while you can.

Interview by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Blade California.

The Fighter (DVD Review)

Legal Line © 2010 Fighter, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved. © 2010 Fighter, LLC. Tous droits réservés. Distribué exclusivement au Canada par Alliance Vivafilm. Tous droits réservés.

Dir: David O. Russell (I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings)
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
USA, 2010

Reason to see: Compelling story, love sport movies and numerous acting wins & nominations

I had a lot conflicting emotions and information heading into The Fighter. I felt that the trailers gave away too much, but when you consider it's a biopic the is a theory that is that justified because the information is out there, although it's clear that the heart of the drive of getting this film made was to have this story told which by definition meant not enough people knew it. Then I saw lots of clips from the film at various awards shows, including the Oscars where the films won 2 acting awards from Supporting Actress - Melissa Leo and Supporting Actor - Christian Bale. So, my expectations were all over the place. Did I know too much? What it about what I thought it would be about? Was the acting really *that* good?

First off, the acting really is that good. Well deserving of all the nominations and wins from the cast, and in particular Christian Bale who gives a fantastic performance as the strung-out-boxer turned-amazing-yet-eccentric-trainer Dicky and Amy Adams in her cast against type role of down to earth, rough around the edges but very sensible Charlene. What I'm surprized at though is how little people are talking about the phenomenal, understated and beautiful performance from Mark Wahlberg who plays the lead role or Micky Ward in the film. He's absolutely fantastic and trained for years getting into fighting shape for the film and not only delivers a great physical performance in the ring scenes, but also a great dramatic performance in the quiet role of Micky who faces challenges in and out of the ring, often at the hands of the family whose omnipresent energy manages to concurrently support and conflict his boxing journey.

From that perspective the film is as much a family drama as it is a boxing film, and it integrates those two themes as seamlessly as we come to understand that they are in Micky and Dicky's lives - which is to say that they stretch into every, single aspect of their lives and the conflict of trying to pull them apart. The film also portrays the huge sense of pride that the brothers have, could and potentially represent to the town of Lowell, Massachusetts when the story is set and when the film was filmed. You can earnestly feel the importance of depicting and presenting the tough town authentically, and the film even includes things like Mickey O'Keefe, police officer & trainer being played by the actual Mickey O'Keefe from Lowell which is amazing. I would have had no idea that he wasn't an actor from just watching the film.

That sense of pride is ever present in the film, as well as an amazing drive to show the truth regardless of how rough and heartbreaking it could be from substance abuse to family conflict. While watching, I found the film kind of snuck up on me and gradually won me over bit by bit, not just in the big fights but also in the day to day moments that often packed an emotional punch. The characters and easy to fall in love with and cheer for, though trying times and good times you are just rooting for them all the way. And I like that. I want people to root for, and The Fighter gives us people to root for in many ways from personal, to professional, to beyond. The Fighter is a great inspirational film.

DVD Extras:

• Audio commentary with director David O. Russell interesting audio commentary covering many aspects of the film including the story of it coming together, often noting scenes and moments that actually happened in the lives of the people it's based on or if it was added and the reasons behind that, moments that he particularly liked and lots of shout outs and love for Lowell, the locals and the people the film is based on.
• The Warrior's Code: Filming The Fighter (30 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes footage of filming, archive images of Dicky Ekland and Micky and interviews with cast and crew including director David O. Russell, producer/actor Mark Wahlberg, producer Todd Lieberman, producer/writer Paul Tamasy, producer David Hoberman, producer Dorothy Aufero, trainer Bo Cleary, producer Ryan Kavanaugh, the real Micky Ward & Dicky Ekland, actors Christian Bale, Jack McGee, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams, Mickey O'Keefe (the real Mickey O'Keefe who also plays the police officer & trainer in the film) and various members of Micky & Dicky's family. Interviews cover many topics including what the film is about, the draw to and appeal of of the story, casting - especially casting of Mark Wahlberg as Micky, the challenges of the film, training for the film, the drive to realistically look the part for the film, challenges, decisions and methods of filmmaking from the fights, shooting on location in Lowell and also footage of Mark Wahlberg training with Micky and Dicky.

The Fighter is available on DVD as of March 15, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I recommend it to fans of sport films, dramas and great acting

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011


Image: Photo credit JoJo Whilden. Left to right Mark Wahlberg plays Micky Ward and Amy Adams plays Charlene Fleming in THE FIGHTER, an Alliance Films’ release. © 2010 Fighter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.


Image: Photo credit JoJo Whilden. Left to right Christian Bale plays Dicky Eklund and Mark Wahlberg plays Micky Ward in THE FIGHTER, an Alliance Films' release. © 2010 Fighter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.