The Wrestler

Synopsis: Mickey Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime as pro wrestler Randy The Ram robinson, a former superstar now paying the price for twenty years of grueling punishment in and out of the ring. But he's about to risk everything to prove he has one more match left in him: re-staging of his famous Madison Square Garden bout against "The Ayatollah."

b>Rating:R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use

Run Time:109 min

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Dvd Extra's: Languages: English and Spanish. Subtitles: English and Spanish.

Nudity Factor: Lots of topless scenes in a strip club, Rourke's butt in several scenes, sex scene involving female nudity.

Of Note: Fox Searchlight bought the North American rights to the film at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival for a reported $4 million.

Recommendations: Black Snake Moan -- 21 Grams

Trailer: The Wrestler Trailer (wmv)

Review by: Jason James Rating:

I have to say that when this movie was first being talked about I was extremely excited for it. Maybe that is part of the problem, over anticipation often leads to disappointment. I really was looking forward to the story of a burnt out wrestler that was past his prime and falling apart. They got that part right but failed in the delivery. The pacing was slow making this two hour movie seem a lot longer. Once again the director could have cut a few of the scenes out of the film making it flow a little better. We didn't really need a wrestling movie that has a good chunk of it taking place in a strip club. Making the delivery even worse is the film was shot using handy cam/shaky cam style. It does capture the gloom of the film but I have never been a fan of this style of shooting. It does create some nifty angles and such but for the most part it just is not needed. The acting was decent and Mickey Rourke was perfect for this part. Overall I just couldn't get past the pacing of the film which caused it to seem to last forever. It is never a good sign when you are watching your watch to see how much longer you have to sit through something.