Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler"
courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment
“All Hail the Comeback Kid”

Mickey Rourke is one actor whose comeback is better than his main career. When he was an A-list actor he made movies such as “Diner,” “Body Heat” and “Rumble Fish” but none of those movies compare with his performance in “The Wrestler.” That movie and that role were made for him and he plays it like no other actor could.

Yes, Rourke comes out swinging as the aging wrestler in Darren Aronofsky’s film, now on DVD. It is a comeback making performance and raw, gritty entertainment. It will stun you into attention.

Rourke plays Randy “the Ram” Robinson, a wrestler past his prime and long gone from the glory days of his youth. Still he longs for the roar of the crowd so he keeps playing dates where he can get into the ring and be idolized. Most of these dates are in fairly squalid venues.

His life away from the ring is pretty dire. He always needs money and takes odd jobs to help him survive. His social life is non-existent because he lacks the social skills necessary to make contact with anyone. He likes a local stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) but their meetings are awkward and tenuous.

He has a daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood) who he has neglected for years. Now he wants to reconnect with her but she is not buying it. There have been too many disappointments and heartaches in the past. The scenes between Randy and Stephanie are the most poignant in the film.

Rourke is truly amazing in this role. He looks the part, he acts the part, he lives the part. There is not one second in the movie when he is not convincingly Randy Robinson. Physically he looks worn out and bloated but that is in keeping with the role. 

Tomei once again shows why some consider her to be one of the best actresses of her generation. Her willingness to strip herself bare both physically and emotionally adds to the truthfulness of the film. She makes Cassidy vulnerable and caring, struggling and determined. It is a beautiful performance by an actress who has taken her lumps from critics along the way.

The rawness of the film may not make it appealing to all audiences but for those who like stark reality this is a gold mine of a movie. Aronofsky paints a full portrait of this common man who wants to have one last uncommon experience. He may be a “star” on a small scale but Randy Robinson lives for the applause of the fans.

Mickey Rourke was on the fast track to success and acclaim when he squandered his acting career. Now he is back and better than ever. “The Wrestler” is his best role in years and he makes the most of every moment. If ever there was a perfect meeting of man and role, this is it.

Who knew that Meryl Streep filmed a second movie last year in addition to “Doubt”? Yes, she also made a movie titled “Dark Matter” which is now available on DVD. It is the story of a Chinese prodigy who comes to school at an American university. There he falls under the sponsorship of a woman (Streep) who appreciates his brilliance. She sees great things in his future.

But the path this young man takes to try to achieve his dreams is frustrated by events that transpire, and the result is violence. This story is based on actual occurrences.

Aiden Quinn and Chinese star Ye Liu also star in this film. They, along with Streep, are all good in their roles. In fact the acting is the best reason to watch the movie.

Rebecca Neuenswander and Chad Ortis star in the unique movie “Fight Night.” With some slight resemblance to “Million Dollar Baby,” this is a movie about a female boxer who can take on grown men. She is discovered by a manager/con man who gets them on the underground boxing circuit.

The con man rigs these fights in a unique way, but each time he does the stakes become higher. Before it is over the woman is fighting for her life.

This movie isn’t particularly gripping but it is different, and sometimes that is enough to make something interesting.

Disney has three classic tales out on DVD. They are “Mickey and the Beanstalk,” “The Prince and the Pauper” and “The Three Little Pigs.” All are done with classic Disney animation and all are sure to entertain your kids. This is what Disney does best so get all three today.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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