The Wrestler

[Andy Turnbull]

It's not out here till January 16th but I recommend folks watch it. Mickey Rourke resurfacing after his brief taste of fame with Sin City puts in a magnificent shift as Randy "The Ram" Robinson,a washed-up wrestler still putting on the tights and fighting the fight when it should be all over.

His life is a mess and it doesn't pull his punches as it shows him dealing with health issues, an estranged daughter and the realisation of what his life has become. His friendship with an aging stripper played by Marisa Tomei is touching and awkward as she eventually sees what we all know right from the start, that her life could quite easily mirror his.

It's a lock that fans of wrestling will enjoy this, but I think anyone watching it will take something from it.

Go see it when it's out, you won't be disapppointed.

Andy

[Hero]

On my to do list most definitley.

[jameso]

Pretty good, but I'm afraid I'm a little disappionted, as I rather fancied it might have been very good. Didn't come out of it thinking Rourke was particulary amazing either. Also, not sure about the ending, though that's probably a bit too obvious to say.

[Hero]

I finally got to see this (on TV) and regret not seeing this film when it was out in the cinema.

Aronofsky has put together a real gem.

As an indy wrestler (currentley ex) myself I can appreciate the films illustration of the griittier little leagues. So much stuff portrayed in the film is so accurate to the way wrestling functions. Some lockerroom bretheren may feel this flick 'exposes the business', but its good to show that wrestling isn't all about showing off and great entrance music. I hope it might educate those who don't know wrestling much or especially those who question how 'real' it actually is.

Randy The Ram reminded me of wrestlers like Van Hammer, Jerry Lynn and Michael PS Hayes. I'd say mainly Jerry Lynn most of all. I am guessing DA may have been inspired by these guys as to what he wanted his main character to look like.

I have to take my hat off to Rourke who probably took quite a bump or two (despite maybe having a stunt double) at his age to make it all look great. The contributing factor of Austin Aries, The Necro Butcher, Earnest Miller and other workers was a big asset.

The way the camera followed Rourke around in documentary like fashion in a lot of scenes was a good way to invite the viewer into this mans life and see it from his perspective.

Enough rambling. I am buying the DVD

===KEN