The Wrestler

Apparently this film is supposed to be impressive because its story of a broke-down, aging wrestler seeking redemption is very similar in theme to the real life of its broke-down star, Mickey Rourke. Hollywood may love rebirths, but what is so exciting about an actor playing himself - especially when that mutual character is a worthless goon? Of course, the wrestler's pain is the spectator's joy - but the concept of self-sacrifice is a bit far-fetched in this case. The wrestler, known as 'The Ram,' is scarred and smashed up twenty years after his big fight - since then it seems his life has gone steadily downhill, though he's still wrestling and signing autographs. A sudden disaster sends the steroid junkie reeling, and he makes a couple half-assed attempts to put his life back together: trolling after an aging, broke-down stripper who insists she isn't really a stripper; and attempting to win back his estranged, college-age daughter who doesn't want him in her life. Can you guess what happens?

In other words, the story is ludicrous. A general weirdness permeates the film, simply due to the subject matter and 'backstage' look at the pro wrestling world, and it is shot in a somewhat gritty, realist style (the camera often follows the Ram's back, like a documentary) - but none of this manages to redeem the failures of the uninspired plot and flat characters. In the end, its attempts at rawness and authenticity are undermined, and The Wrestler is essentially a merger of Rocky, a porno, and a WWE show - unnecessarily graphic, smutty, and contrived.

BOOOOOOOO!
Rating 1.5 out of 5
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Plot: 1
Imagery: 2
Originality: 2
Soundtrack: 1 The Wrestler
Overall: 1.5