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David O. Russell directs a top-notch cast in this story of a Massachusetts boxer who tries to get out from under the influence of his crack-addicted brother and domineering mother. If those character descriptions sound like Oscar-bait, indeed they are — Christian Bale and Melissa Leo both took home supporting performer Oscars for their portrayals. Mark Wahlberg is commendable as the main character, and Amy Adams sheds her nice girl image as the bartender girlfriend who isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with Leo’s scary mama figure, or her nasty horde of big-haired, jealous bitch-daughters. That this is a true story and all these people are based on real, actual, living persons will leave your mind spinning. The Fighter isn’t so much about boxing as it is about the fine line between love and suffocation in American family life. The characters are superbly written and performed — I was engaged with them all.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Leo), Best Supporting Actor (Bale)

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actress (Adams)