David O. Russell's The Fighter made it through production without the public fights, drama and meltdowns that many expected. Now we've got the trailer, which showcases some nicely-filmed fight scenes, Mark Wahlberg's biceps and music that will make you get up from your office chair and cheer!
Wahlberg seems likeable as usual playing an earnest everyman trying to make it in the lightweight fighting division. And look! Christian Bale has physically transformed himself again for the role of Wahlberg's ne'er-do-well brother. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo round out what really is a hell of a cast. But this one's directed by David O. Russell, the guy who has given us a film about existential detectives, an extremely subversive take on the Gulf War, and a dark comedy about incest. Why does it look like such a paint-by-numbers crowd-pleaser? Familial drama, underdogs clawing their way to the top and even a cheesy tag line set to triumphant music - it's all here.
Either Russell played it straight and simply made a solid entry into the Rocky genre, or there's more to the movie than the trailer lets on. See for yourself below.
Verdict: Interested, but not quite a TKO