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The Wrestler (2008)
Released By: Fox Searchlight Pictures   Rating: R   In Theaters: 12/17/2008
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Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Genre: Action-Adventure
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Language: English
Official Website: http://www.thewrestlermovie.com/index.html
Theatrical Release: 12/17/2008
Home Video Release: 4/21/2009
Cast: Marisa Tomei, Mickey Rourke, Mark Margolis, Evan Rachel Wood, Todd Barry
Published ID: 575063
UPC: 024543574996, 024543575054,
Plot: His sense of identity fading into nothingness after the spotlights dim and he experiences a close brush with mortality, a retired wrestler begins to evaluate his life while considering the comeback that could very well kill him in director Darren Aronofsky's poignant portrait of an introspective former superstar in the twilight of his career. Back in his heyday, wrestler Randy The Ram Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was an icon in the ring. His image immortalized in action figures and video games, he would headline arenas across the globe. Twenty years later, those glory days have passed, and Randy is forced to earn his keep by brawling before handfuls of fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. In the wake of a heart attack, the former icon attempts to earn a little extra cash while working in a deli and making an effort to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Yet, despite Randy's continued attempts at convincing local stripper Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) to settle down with him in his humble trailer, the ring still calls to him. Later, when the prospect of a high-profile rematch with his longtime nemesis presents itself, Randy is forced to weigh his mortality against his desire to hear the crowd roar one last time. The Wrestler snagged two Oscar nominations, one for Best Actor (Rourke) and one for Best Supporting Actress (Tomei). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
The Wrestler
Added 11/4/2009

I was very satisfied with this purchase. Fast shipping, arrived in the exact condition as it was described.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Mediocquium for a Dream?
Added 11/2/2009

The first time I saw The Wrestler, I was looking forward to it so much. It was a much-hyped film from the imagination of Darren Aronofsky, who directed Requiem for a Dream- one of the most powerful movies of the decade. However I was expecting to be disappointed after that majestic turd that was "The Fountain". And the first time I saw the movie, I thought it was disappointing. But actually, upon a second viewing, that seems to be an understatement- It's a bad movie.

OK, yes, Rourke did great in his performance, seeing as not very many can pull off the gritty "Washed up wrestler" type figure that has mainly been done (to death) several times before. ANd Yes, it is rather unfortunate he was snubbed. However, I think his performance is what alone saved the movie from a 1 star rating.

Basically, the storyline is nothing special. A washed up wrestler moping and whining about his life. IT's pretty entertaining for a bit, but, as it turns, it's more of the same the more the movie unfolds. THe fight scenes are brutal, not pretty, but very well done- they seem to capture the spirit of Wrestling, which is a brutal as hell sport. But the look of the film is not well. It may be the grainy blu-ray look, but the film has muted and washed-out visuals, combined with headache-inducing shaking camera that does get distracting.

THe film, thankfully, is not too long- That seems to be a thing with Aronofsky, he keeps his movies short and sweet (thank God for that. Had he done the opposite with Requiem for a Dream, I'd OD on Prozac, LOL!) However, there's almost nothing redeeming about this film, except for Marisa Tomei looking like she usually does, Mickey Rourke's amazing performance, and the fight scenes. But aside from that, this is not a good movie at all.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Pretty Good But Could've Been A Lot Better.
Added 10/30/2009

The film has a pretty promising plot line about an old man way passed his glory days and yet refuses to accept the reality. I've really felt for this pass time wrestler as the issues he is facing was down right heartbreaking and had me teary-eyed and everything. The one thing That disappointed me the most in this film was the ending or the should I say, the lacking of. There was no significant closure for this character whom which you've grown a heart for throughout the whole entire progression of the film, which left me completely disheartened and disappointed. Darren Aronofsky had another good one here but then blew it at the very end of the film. Unbelievable. Hence, the 4-Star rating. Don't believe me, watch it for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great movie
Added 10/29/2009

Great movie about a one time king of the wrestling world trying to make one last attempt to regain glory. I can't imagine anyone but Rourke playing the lead role. Very well done.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Well-made but too familiar
Added 10/26/2009

The Bottom Line:

Mickey Rourke and Marissa Tomei certainly embody their characters fully and the film gives the viewer some interesting information and insight into pro wrestling (I particularly enjoyed when the crowd cheered when Mickey Rourke smacked the "bad guy" wrestler and then booed when the bad guy hit him back) but the general arc of the screenplay is so familiar and trite that the movie consistently holds itself back from greatness; The Wrestler is a good film, but not a great one.

3/4

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
The Wrestler
Added 11/4/2009

I was very satisfied with this purchase. Fast shipping, arrived in the exact condition as it was described.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Mediocquium for a Dream?
Added 11/2/2009

The first time I saw The Wrestler, I was looking forward to it so much. It was a much-hyped film from the imagination of Darren Aronofsky, who directed Requiem for a Dream- one of the most powerful movies of the decade. However I was expecting to be disappointed after that majestic turd that was "The Fountain". And the first time I saw the movie, I thought it was disappointing. But actually, upon a second viewing, that seems to be an understatement- It's a bad movie.

OK, yes, Rourke did great in his performance, seeing as not very many can pull off the gritty "Washed up wrestler" type figure that has mainly been done (to death) several times before. ANd Yes, it is rather unfortunate he was snubbed. However, I think his performance is what alone saved the movie from a 1 star rating.

Basically, the storyline is nothing special. A washed up wrestler moping and whining about his life. IT's pretty entertaining for a bit, but, as it turns, it's more of the same the more the movie unfolds. THe fight scenes are brutal, not pretty, but very well done- they seem to capture the spirit of Wrestling, which is a brutal as hell sport. But the look of the film is not well. It may be the grainy blu-ray look, but the film has muted and washed-out visuals, combined with headache-inducing shaking camera that does get distracting.

THe film, thankfully, is not too long- That seems to be a thing with Aronofsky, he keeps his movies short and sweet (thank God for that. Had he done the opposite with Requiem for a Dream, I'd OD on Prozac, LOL!) However, there's almost nothing redeeming about this film, except for Marisa Tomei looking like she usually does, Mickey Rourke's amazing performance, and the fight scenes. But aside from that, this is not a good movie at all.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Pretty Good But Could've Been A Lot Better.
Added 10/30/2009

The film has a pretty promising plot line about an old man way passed his glory days and yet refuses to accept the reality. I've really felt for this pass time wrestler as the issues he is facing was down right heartbreaking and had me teary-eyed and everything. The one thing That disappointed me the most in this film was the ending or the should I say, the lacking of. There was no significant closure for this character whom which you've grown a heart for throughout the whole entire progression of the film, which left me completely disheartened and disappointed. Darren Aronofsky had another good one here but then blew it at the very end of the film. Unbelievable. Hence, the 4-Star rating. Don't believe me, watch it for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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