Gritty, emotional, sometimes gut-wrenching tale of star pro-wrestler (Mickey Rourke) in his twilight years as he tries to make ends meet and win back the love of his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). Marisa Tomei plays a similarly “twilight years” stripper whom Randy “The Ram” (Rourke) pines after as he desparately gives love one last shot. The balance of violence and humor works perfectly throughout, as you can’t help but smile at the patheticness of the Ram at times.

I loved Rourke in this, and his Oscar nomination is well-deserved. You know the Ram’s made his share of mistakes, but it doesn’t stop you from believing he deserves another shot at happiness. The conundrum he faces in the final act of the film – risking his life for glory – will tear you apart.

Above all, this is a very “real” feeling film, and may well be one of my new favorites, despite the gloomy overtones. Director Darren Arnofsky has created his masterpiece. (2/24/2009)

I watched the Wrestler with tempered expectations. I've found that overhyped indies in the past frequently disappoint but I was very pleased with Darren Aronofsky's film. This story of an over the hill wrestler is tragic and intriguing yet also predictable. Although you know how things will turn out in nearly every aspect of Randy The Ram's life, the art of the film is on display as you're slowly led through his miserable existence. On the surface, the film could be seen as extremely slow paced but I never felt bored. While I knew Randy was going further and further downhill, I still held out hope that he'd turn things around. I loved the way Aronofsky shot this film - the visuals always felt gritty like you were living the Ram's life alongside him. While there was some very realistic violence, that part of the movie really was overhyped. Pearl turned her head just a few times and that aspect of the movie shouldn't turn anyone away. (8/24/2009)