'The Fighter'

Micky Ward ( Mark Wahlberg), a boxer from Massachusetts, follows in his famous brother Dicky’s ( Christian Bale) footsteps in this true story about a struggling family. Dicky’s boxing success plummeted after losing a fight to Sugar Ray Leonard, and drug abuse and trouble with the law followed. Now Micky has the chance to return the family to glory. Oscar potential: “The Fighter” is the underdog story of the year. With the success of last year’s “The Blind Side,” the film will likely do well on nomination morning. Critics are applauding the performances of Wahlberg and Bale as well as Amy Adams (Micky’s girlfriend) and Melissa Leo (the boys’ mother). David O. Russell faces the stiffest competition in the directing and best picture categories. Review: Times' critic Kenneth Turan says "As things start to fall into place, ‘The Fighter’s’ inevitable classic finale is especially satisfying because of how long and bruising a path Micky Ward and this film have taken to get there." Read the entire review.