Monday, May 4, 2009

The Wrestler

I'm always a day late and a dollar short when it comes to movies. I don't enjoy going to movie theaters most of the time. They're usually overly air-conditioned, I always seem to get stuck behind someone like Javier Glatt, the BC Lions linebacker, or in front of the Jabberwocky family and their three lovely children, Talkalot, Cryalot and Fartalot. I prefer to wait until a movie comes out on DVD and I can watch it in the comfort of my own home. So I am just now getting around to watching the movies that were nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards.

One of my favorite movies of this past season is "The Wrestler". In my opinion, everything about the movie is perfect. Having disliked "Slumdog Millionaire" so much, it was a treat for me to watch "The Wrestler" which was also a contender for best picture. In addition, Mickey Rourke was nominated for best actor. He won the Golden Globe and the BAFTA for best actor, and probably should have won the Oscar as well. His performance is nuanced, subtle and flawless. This movie was directed by Darren Aronofsky with the finesse and elegance of a conductor of a fine symphony orchestra. In addition, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood were brilliant in their supporting roles as Randy’s friend and his daughter.

Mickey Rourke has had many incarnations during his career. He started out as the “pretty boy” heartthrob that women loved, but he has morphed into something completely different, and somehow more likeable. The pathos and humanity he brings to the role of Randy "The Ram" Robinson in this movie is brilliant. The movie pulled me in and made me feel as if I were a part of the whole experience, rather than just sitting and observing it. The movie feels real. I loved this movie. It was gritty and edgy and sad and completely wonderful. If you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat -- just to watch Mickey Rourke's performance.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

I didn't realize that that movie had done so well. I will have to see it. I do like mickey.

muthu said...

hmhm.... i will sure try the movie.

Dr.John said...

Now I have to rent the DVD.

Anonymous said...

Still laughing about the Jabbberwocky family. :-)

I like your movie reviews. And this one sounds good to me also.

Jo said...

Flowrgirl1, Oh, you must see it, definitely!

Muthu, I think you will enjoy it.

Dr. John, you are in for a real treat!

Carla, oh, yes, the Jabberwocky family ... *heh* They seek me out. You will love this movie!

Leslie: said...

I bought the movie yesterday but we were too tired to watch it. We will, soon, though. I'm looking forward to it.

Jo said...

Leslie, you will love it. So will "L". *heh*

Clarice ♥

TheChicGeek said...

LOL...I'm going to have to see this one too :) He has definitely morphed...no more pretty boy...LOL

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

At least you get the chance to see movies or dvd's. I wish I could watch more. I usually end up watching stuff a couple of years old on our public broadcaster. *sad*

A human kind of human said...

"the Jabberwocky family and their three lovely children, Talkalot, Cryalot and Fartalot" - Exactly!!! I am not a movie-goer either, in fact I do not watch many movies at all (long explanation why not but not the place for it here). However I have a list of must see movies and as soon as I get the chance, I will watch them - and I have just added The Wrestler.

Miss_Nobody said...

I would love to watch this!

robert said...

Just spend eight and a half hours in a hotel lobby, waiting for my student to finish the exam, providing support during her breaks, wish I would have the time now to watch a movie/theater...
Will pick up the kid an play instead - which is also nice, by the way, can't really remember when I last saw a movie/theater...

Russell said...

Haven't seen this movie yet -- still needing to see Gran Torino! Does that tell you anything??!!

I think you need to do a post if not a series about the Jabberwocky family!

Charles Gramlich said...

May have to see this. I heard it was good from several sources.

amourissima said...

Though I bundled up to see both of them in the theater-I couldn't agree with you more about Slum Dog and The Wrestler.

I just had to say so! :)

.Tom Kapanka said...

Hi, Jo,
Just a quick note over a late lunch. I've missed reading here. My laptop and all my neatly placed "favorites" has been down for two months and I just got out of the pattern of my bookmarked blogs. Always refreshing to be here. You are as good as ever (love the names of the three kids).

I thought of you when I wrote my current post because it's partly about Canada (pre-maple-leaf-flag). You might enjoy it.
Tom

Kennyo said...

I've walked past that movie a few times at the store, based on this post I'll have to grab it next time..
thanks
Kenny
gogokennygo.blogspot.com

Jo-Anne said...

Have to watch out for that one at the dud shop i love movies but the closest cinema is 2hours drive in any direction so dud's it'll have to be. HUMAN KIND ME HUMAN, NO HUGH GRANT DANCING IN THIS ONE I'M AFRAID! Sorry.:) Great post jo you should consider becoming a movie critic. Can't wait to see the movie. And what are your thoughts on curious case me benjaman button?

Jo said...

TheChicGeek, but he is more appealing now, oddly enough. :-)

Firefly, can't you rent DVDs? Gosh!

AHumanKindofHuman, I have a feeling you will love this movie. It's wonderful...!

Miss_Nobody, it's one of the best movies of the year -- definitely!

Mo'ikeha, ohmygoodness, you have a busy life! Holy doodle! :-)

Russell, ah yes ... the Jabberwocky Family. They always sit right behind me in the movie theatre. (I think I would like to see Gran Torino as well...)

Charles, oh yes, it's better than good!

Amourissima, thank you! Someone else with good sense. *heh* And good taste... I might add.

Tom, it's so nice to see you again! I will be over to visit your blog. I'm afraid I have not had much time to visit many blogs lately.

Kenny, definitely (!!!) pick it up next time you walk past it. You'll enjoy it.

Jozeygirl, I have not seen "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" yet. That is next on my list. Thank you! :-)

Leah Fry said...

He is so bizarre looking -- too much work, as they say.

Paula Slade said...

Your comment regarding "the Jabberwocky family" had me laughing out loud- that was great! :D