The Wrestler

When I saw Darren Aronofsky made "The Fountain"; I went to see it but I was a bit disappointed at the time, but he has regained my faith in his skills with his latest film "The Wrestler".  I went to see the movie at night at the Aventura Mall AMC theater, and I must say that it was worth every penny.

"The Wrestler" is the story of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Mickey Rourke), an 80's wrestler who is not in the big time anymore but has not given hope of regaining his stardom again.  He basically lives a lonely life as a part time worker at a supermarket and taking jobs on the weekends at little arenas still wrestling, until something bad happens to him in which the doctors tell him he cannot wrestle anymore.  So now he has to struggle in the world with no more wrestling.

Mickey Rourke was at one time believed to be washed up just like his character, but after watching this movie I must tip my hat off to the man.  Rourke has come back in a big way with this film.  He portrays his character very well to a point that as an audience member you feel his pain from beginning to end and you start loving the guy and feeling sorry for him at times.  Mickey Rourke definitely deserved his golden globe win as best actor for this role, he deserved everything given to him for this film.

Darren Aronofsky has directed one of his best films in a couple of years.  This film ranks up there his other greats "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream".  

What I also love about this film is that it is classic filmmaking 101 with simple lighting, good camera work, great acting with Rourke and Marissa Tomei, great script and terrific directing.  No special effects, just classic filming.  This movie is worth watching at the theaters and not to be missed.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

Gran Torino

What can I say about Gran Torino except that it is a great new film from Clint Eastwood.  He has done another great job in acting and directing his own film.  I saw this film at the Regal Cinemas in Waterford Lakes, and was not disappointed.  For those who don't know, this film is about a typical 1950's white American who hates other races, but yet he lives in a neighborhood that has been overrun now with foreign families.  He hates all of them, but what makes this movie great is that even though he hates other nationalities, he eventually starts liking his new neighbors once he gets to know them.  In a time like this even someone from the old school can have a change of heart.

This movie is a slow drama and filled with racist words through the entire movie.  So if you are someone whom cannot handle too many racist words, then this movie is not for you.  But I promise you that if you are into Clint Eastwood films, you will love this film in every way.  You will not be disappointed.  

I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5.