Ram Tough
The Wrestler
Review by Ross Anthony

Though populated with major stars, Wrestler is squarely an indie film. It absolutely shines as a character study. Written honestly, filmed starkly, and acted to perfection, the film compels from beginning to end and Mickey Rourke makes bringing a spectrum of emotions to screen seem simple. He's a loveable loser. He's truly charming, strong, vulnerable, oblivious, not-oblivious, tough, funny, absolutely faulted, and endearing.

His performance in Sin City rocked as well, aside from the initial excitement of the film's cool look, Rourke was that film. And as soon as his character left it, the picture lost half its overall appeal.

Rourke's costars in Wrestler also bring quality to the picture. You'll enjoy the candid camaraderie among the muscle bound men as well. It all feels very sincere. In fact, sincere is a good word for the film on the whole.

But like many indies the script doesn't call for a strong climax, and, again, the character study is emphasized over a more commercial arc. I'm biased toward an emotional climax, so I missed it here. But, I still quite enjoyed this film and solidly recommend it. I'll root for Mickey to win that academy award.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator/Speaker Ross Anthony --


  • The Wrestler. Copyright © 2008.
  • Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Ernest "The Cat" Miller. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Screenplay by Darren Aronofsky, Robert Siegel. Produced by Scott Franklin at Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Sunday, 01-Feb-2009 10:56:58 PST