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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 143)
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I only saw this movie because it was nominated for golden globe/oscar. I was very disturbed at Mickey Rourkes appearance as he use to be so handsome. His preformance was okay, not spectacular and I did't think the story was that great. I was expecting more because of all the hype.
6/10
2.11.2010 -
kcronan@ - age: 36-49
I watched this movie on TMN... and I wasn't really interested in seeing it, but because it was on and free... I thought what the heck? I have no clue why this movie was nominated for so many awards, it's the slowest movie I've seen in a long time, and the ending was just stupid. I would like my 2 hours back please.
4/10
8.25.2009 -
lilaim@ - age: 18-25
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I loved this movie. I know some thought it was a little slow or depressing but it added to the charm. Micky was great and it felt real!
8/10
8.24.2009 -
michjulien@ - age: 36-49
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As good as everybody is saying. Deeply moving and a powerful disection of the human experience.
10/10
6.30.2009 -
mycatcleouk@ - age: 26-35
Good stuff. If you have ever watched a wwf show and wondered where old wrastlers went once they left the ring, this is it. I'm pretty sure this is the tory or Macho man, or any other laundry list of wrastlers from the old days. The scene with the wrestler appreciation bit; classic. Good movie.
8/10
6.1.2009 -
rob_ontario18@ - age: 26-35
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I think that this movie is the most overated movie of 2008. I had heard so many great things about this movie so I was very excited to rent it. Well, it really isn't as good as they say. Everything is in the trailer! Nothing new or surprising happens! I'm really sick of those trailers were they show you every single important scene! As for Mickey Rourke, I really get why he didn't win the oscar... you can't see as single emotion with that plastic surgery mask he's wearing. His face was really disturbing because it doesn't look human at all! And the worst part about the movie is without a doubt the acting of the girl playing his daughter. Awful!!! I was embarrased for her, it felt like I was watching the Young and the Restless at it's worst. I'm giving this movie a 6 because it's not bad and not good. It's just okay and mostly overated.
6/10
4.27.2009 -
krayzie_lady@ - age: 18-25
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I thought that this would be a "rocky" like movie where the old guy comes back from the brink and wins the final fight. I'm not sure how this movie was nominated for oscars. The hype for the movie was alot better than the movie itself. I did not hate the movie but I did not think it was awesome. It might be worth the rental to check Marisa Tomei as a stripper though.
5/10
4.26.2009 -
mr,ben@ - age: 26-35
Very enjoyable. If you're expecting a WWF action fest, you'll be disappointed. It's a great sad slow moving story about a has been and there's no gimmick ending.
8/10
4.15.2009 -
parker2@ - age: 36-49
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A gut-wrenching tale about shattered dreams and pursuits of passion that leave you filled with regret and pain. This film was really devastating to me because I recognized those themes as being my greatest fears for the future, and for that reason this is one of my favourite films in the last three of four years. Everything that has been said about Rourke's performance is spot on, he goes beyond method acting and actually lives this guy's suffering and desperation. But you've got to give serious kudos for the success of this picture to director Darren Aronofsky, who (eventually) made one of the most brilliant casting decisions ever and cohersed this once in a lifetime performance out of Mickey Rourke. I have renewed respect for Aronofsky, showing incredible versatility and resiliency after the setback that was his poorly received opus "The Fountain". Here is his directorial precision stripped bare of imagery and flashy editing, painting such a vivid portrait of how pathetic this man's life has become. The sights and sounds of the wrestler's environment really sink into your bones and stay with you after you've left the theatre. A simply written piece that refuses to ever become melodramatic or overly wordy, but tells a man's story as straightforward as he lives it. Clint Mansell's subdued score is effective without being very noticeable, and the cinematography while for the most part lacking in visual style still manages to be quite striking at times and very memorable. The Wrestler is highly comparable to films like Half Nelson, Love Liza, or even About Schmidt, and I highly recommend it to fans of those pictures. Don't see it expecting any kind of redemption for Randy the wrestler, it's not that kind of movie. But depending on how you see it, at the end you may be uplifted, or you might be beaten into the ground. Depending on what kind of audience member you are. But no matter how you feel about the character and the material delved into, there is no doubt that this is a phenomenal character study, and any review on this page below an 8/10 should be cast aside as uniformed dribble.
10/10
4.7.2009 -
brendan,prost@ - age: 18-25
What a spot-on perfect movie. Not exactly feel-good, but excellent.
10/10
3.28.2009 -
cheyennigans@ - age: 36-49
Best movie I have seen in ages a simple plot, but the characters so full of emotion and desperation.
10/10
3.24.2009 -
eatherh@ - age: 36-49
Really good movie. Mickey Rourke's performance was equal in merit to Oscar winner Sean Penn. Despite the horror and physical damage that "Ram" absorbs, the biggest challenge is when he is assigned to work the deli counter at the grocery store. I liked it that the dozen other wrestlers were not cynical and mean to one another but mutually supportive and friendly. The extreme match was gory with barbed wire and staples guns fired into pudgy chests. Marisa Tomei's pole dancing was, well... pretty edgy. Refreshing that there wasn't a cop-out ending. Should have been an "R" rating.
8/10
3.22.2009 -
katboguski@ - age: 36-49
Excellent movie with strong performances. But don't get all excited about the hype, this is a movie lovers movie, in your face view of the world presented here with caracters that are much less than heroic. Warning the the depressed this will not help your mood. Amazing performances all around.
9/10
3.22.2009 -
csimple76@ - age: 26-35
9.5 to be more accurate. Excellent, the acting, the story and Marisa Tomei looks smoking hot.
9/10
3.21.2009 -
beachandtennis@ - age: 50+
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Mickey Rourke has got his best role! His working all his life on this character in the end he had a chance to show it! Love it! Life without blinds - we make our choices and we pay for them... Of course there is always hope, but in the end if we are too far from it we refuse to see it. Love it!
9/10
3.19.2009 -
vadim,kudryavtsev@ - age: 50+
I really enjoyed this movie, thrilling and peaceful at the same time... LOVED IT... one of the 2009's must see!!
9/10
3.19.2009 -
monopoly2000@ - age: 13-17
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
It was amazing! Although I have it say that I am being a little biased because I am a wrestling fan. I'm not sure that someone who isn't all that into wrestling would be as interested. The only problem was that there was too much nudity and In the barbwire/hardcore match the one guy was barefoot (why? )
9/10
3.15.2009 -
stevyg_2@ - age: 18-25
I have an OBSESSION with the WWE so I decided to go see this, and It was great. Micky rouke did great, and who cares what Chris Jericho says :P
8/10
3.14.2009 -
rootbeerorootbeer@ - age: 13-17
Mickey Rourke did not win best actor academy, but certainly had my vote. His depiction of pain and vulnerability, of a nice guy in a bad situation is brilliant. He oozes compassion and physical and mental anguish. He teaches us something about humility. Marrissa Tomei is also very believable and a good match for her character. This is gritty stuff - emotionally and physically. Not for prudes or the superficial. I'm not a wrestling fan, but it didn't mater.
9/10
3.14.2009 -
kemptonbrag@ - age: 36-49
One of the best human-condition films I have seen in some time. It's true drama, what is happening in the mind and heart of the main character, quietly unfolds in the background as we watch someone with very few choices fumble about. No splash, no flash, very little fanfare. Very realistic.
9/10
3.13.2009 -
jorinda25@ - age: 36-49
Excellent entertainment - humorous and heartbreaking. I'll see it again at the theatre, and buy the DVD.
10/10
3.12.2009 -
dshainline@ - age: 36-49
Great acting in this movie, Mickey should have taken the Oscar for this one, the storyline is original and believable and the characters are full of raw emotions, definitely worth seeing.
8/10
3.11.2009 -
phljoseph@ - age: 36-49
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Ohhh my god are you kidding me, best actor nomination?!! Come on... the WORST movie ever!! I kept waiting and thinking there must be something going to happen to make this a worthwhile viewing, but NO!! Do NOT SEE IT!!
1/10
3.7.2009 -
rockinredrobin@ - age: 36-49
The movie was good... but the ending left a lot to be desired. I am AMAZED that it's only rated 14A --- it should have at least been 18A or even R!
5/10
3.6.2009 -
s-papineau@ - age: 26-35
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
This is a really good movie, a bit gory at some times but the scene with his friend at the club, love it.
10/10
3.5.2009 -
mitchell_s_29@ - age: 1-12
Good acting. Believable story line. A good insight into the world of wrestling.
7/10
3.4.2009 -
askarda2@ - age: 50+
I sympathized with this suffering human being, trying to somehow make a living as an aging wrestler, but must admit that after about 20 minutes I couldn't bear to watch any more of all the honest but suffering people on screen, and left. The movie is too grueling; I can't imagine anything that would make this movie bearable to watch.
2/10
3.1.2009 -
austin@ - age: 50+
Was ok. Wasn't blown away... was ok. Didn't understand the ending. Seemed like answers were left unanswered.
5/10
3.1.2009 -
stevehug@ - age: 36-49
It was almost like a b rated movie. It had good potential, good talent but very low budget. The whole show was like out of focus and very grainy. Probably old mickeys last flick.
5/10
3.1.2009 -
gkaff@ - age: 36-49
As everyone noted, the acting was great. But there wasn't much of a plot. There really wasn't any development but rather moving from event to event with no change of circumstances. I was bored.
6/10
2.28.2009 -
moviedude1@ - age: 26-35
For wrestling fans (like myself), it is a fantastic movie to see. For everyone else, it is a good movie to see. It shows the hardships of a wrestler's life of the ring.
8/10
2.26.2009 -
bmw9521@ - age: 13-17
It was great a real look at how the wrestling world really is not the made up version on tv.
10/10
2.25.2009 -
adairdarby@ - age: 26-35
It covers a very short time span in Randy's life, but you get a sense of the shame in the first 60 seconds of the movie, when you don't see his face. So much is conveyed in this movie not using dialogue. Amazing.
9/10
2.24.2009 -
shelly_1@ - age: 26-35
I am writing again due to other's comments that cared to look smart by replying me with all kinda of flavors on their own words and mostly with their indifference. Never the less, with no life values. I guess their life look alike the life of this actor, Mikey, who I don't know if I paid my ticket at the zoo or to a rehabilitation house. But what can I say, this was not a movie, but more of a intermittent attempt to live normally and act normal in life. Mikey seems already dressed for Halloween, doesn't need a mask whatsoever. He hot that ugly due to his general ignorance and arrogance.
1/10
2.24.2009 -
xtreme47@ - age: 36-49
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Gritty, Greasy and Souless. I am not just talking about this movie mirroring US Culture, but I am also talking about the popcorn that is served this past decade. This movie is interesting and a nice change. I totally saw this as the US society as a whole in the past 64 years... Roided up, Hype, Phoney and facing a very difficult future. Besides, everyone knows that the counter move to a light bulb smashing over your face or a barbed wire table drop is the Flying Arm Bar or the Kimura.
7/10
2.22.2009 -
swasson@ - age: 36-49
It brought memories when my dad used to take me to wrestling events in Victoria 30 plus years ago. I liked the way it was filmed in away to give you that documentary fealing. Strong moral messages through out the film. Mickey Rourke should win an oscar for this one. Welcome back Mickey.
9/10
2.22.2009 -
vance,mills@ - age: 36-49
One of the finest performances I've ever seen. Mickey Rourke made me cringe with every step he took, both physical and emotional. The story itself is a bit formulaic, perhaps but never straining credibility. In fact, this story could not have played any other way without pushing the boundaries of believability. Very humorous, with attention to detail: 'The Ram' driving around in a beat up Dodge Ram speaks volumes. Marissa Tomei is perfect (and beautiful) Great job from her. Must see movie with a great non-hollywood ending! Darren Aronofsky and Mickey Rourke made a winner!
9/10
2.21.2009 -
dvn999@ - age: 36-49
If you ever wanted to see what happens to some of your old Wrestling Heros, this is a must see. For all those that ever fantasized about making it in Pro Wrestling, thinking it was forever Glory and Fame need to watch this movie. Great performance by Mickie Rourke. Hopefully he gets more than just an Oscar Nomination for this. But, since it deals with Pro Wrestling I have a feeling he won't (which is too bad) Great comeback role for an actor in which Art imitates Life.
8/10
2.21.2009 -
darrells@ - age: 36-49
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Excellent movie. Mickey Rourke was amazing. You really believed he was a wrestler at the end of his career.
10/10
2.20.2009 -
melfan@ - age: 36-49
Wow what can you say about this film but calling it a masterpiece. Best movie of the year so far you don't even have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy this film. I love it 11/10.
10/10
2.19.2009 -
kyle_hereygers@ - age: 18-25
By far the best thing Rourke has ever done. I saw this weeks ago and it still resonates. Powerful, beautiful, touching, hilarious and memorable.
10/10
2.19.2009 -
joelparkes@ - age: 36-49
Very powerful performances. Best film I've seen in a while. Loved Mickey and Marisa.
9/10
2.18.2009 -
rozzw@ - age: 50+
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I loved this movie. It was a sad, but beautiful story. I recommend it highly. Mickey Rourke portrayed his character geniusly.
10/10
2.18.2009 -
jacqieblue@ - age: 26-35
I thought there was some great acting on the part of Mickey Rourke. He played his part very well. Had some funny parts and some sad. You don't have to go see this in the theater, it will be just as good at home.
7/10
2.17.2009 -
somoyo@ - age: 26-35
Slow moving, predictable, shallow character development.
6/10
2.17.2009 -
forced2be@ - age: 50+
I should give this a 10, but that's just my flaw, way too picky. This was a near masterpiece, and anyone who gives this great film a less than glowing review is a flake. If you can't appreciate this beautiful, bloody, funny, emotionally heart felt and real life drama than stick to films with Jessica Simpson and the like because there isn't room in theatres of good flicks for [...] you!
9/10
2.15.2009 -
gpharmatski@ - age: 36-49
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There are so many good things to say about this movie. The production values, the directing, and the acting are simply out of this world. The film grain is very low, and this gives it the effect of a documentary, perhaps even puts it in a class of films that mirror the class of wrestlers among whom Randy has fallen. Such wrestling troupes are known across Canada and America and are a version of carnivale. What goes into this activity, the ways that it IS real, comes out with striking clarity, but more clear than anything else are the ways that it both honors and impoverishes the self. And this should be kept in mind: with honor, goes belonging; with not-belonging goes shame. So it isn’t even a question of him (or any of us) being willing to do the work necessary to change – others simply aren’t interested in making another space on what Pierre Bourdieu calls the new field. That is why the most powerful moment for me in the film is when Randy says “This is where I belong. ” It struck a chord with a basic moral principle: that the purpose of each day of our lives is to make the world that we must live within. There is no changing one’s world. Nowhere else are you wanted, nowhere is there a space for you. And you may no longer be capable of the sorts of changes demanded, so much have you also made yourself into a final product. It made me think of Michael Moore’s ROGER AND ME – all those seniors working at MacDonald’s in Flint Michigan with hunched backs and arthritis from 27 years of screwing glove compartments onto a dashboard. No wonder we have (or used to have) pensions. At any event, it is by far my favorite film of the year, well ahead of even The Reader, which I loved. Viewers might wonder whether Randy “lived” or “died” at the end – all I can tell you is this: there is more than one way to die and he chose to risk doing it in a moment, rather than letting it drag on for years. It is written in ethics that we get to make choices for a very long time, but eventually we reach a point when our previous choices begin to choose for us. We cannot run away from our moral history because that is what we are. So, for me at least, this film has a lot to say about things that have nothing to do with wrestling.
10/10
2.10.2009 -
com2013@ - age: 13-17
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Not into wrestling but I enjoyed this movie. About a man past his prime having to face himself. Touching.
7/10
2.10.2009 -
claudelebel55@ - age: 50+
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Excellent acting but the story line was too depressing. Way too grimey and disturbing... it's just sad and gets sadder. There was one scene that made me nauseous! (the "party" night) Jut wait for the DVD if you really want to see it... in my opinion it ruined my Sunday. Sad... sad... sad... he really was just a beat-up piece of meat.
5/10
2.8.2009 -
deanna888@ - age: 26-35
WOW! Pay attention, as it goes much deeper than mere entertainment.
10/10
2.8.2009 -
ve3lt@ - age: 50+
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