The Wrestler

I'm not sure if the movie guys are making better movies, or I'm getting better at picking them, but I'm on a bit of a streak with quality films the last month or so. Last night I saw The Wrestler, which was the best movie I've seen in a while.

Before we got to the cinema though, we stocked up on snacks at the IGA opposite Adelaide Uni on North Terrace. I'd never been there before, but it rules. Possibly because they have all of the international students as their clientelle, they stock a big range of American soft drinks and confectionary, and even Krispy Kreme donuts. I grabbed a Cherry Coke and packet of Allens Party Mix, but felt like I could have really gone crazy with all the good stuff they had.

We saw the movie at Palace, because we're classy like that. Looking at the list of films showing there, the place has definitely changed. It used to be all art house and foreign movies, but now you can see stuff like "Quantam of Solace" there. Possibly it's because they've expanded into the old IMAX theatre, and there's not enough weird stuff out there to show on the number of screens they have now. Really the only difference between there and Marion is they don't show the "Day the Earth Stood Still" or "Marley and Me" type stuff.

If you watch the trailer below you'll get a pretty good idea of what The Wrestler is about. Mickey Rourke plays a washed up wrestler from the eighties who's a failure financially, and in his relationships, but still loved in the wrestling community. He struggles to find peace in the outside world but only gets it when he's in the ring, and surrounded by his fans.



Throughout the movie he strikes up a bit of a relationship with a local stripper (the always lovely, and often these days naked, Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter.

Apparently the studios wanted Nic Cage to play the main role, which would have been terrible, but the director stuck with Rourke, and he's perfect for the part. He looks like a guy who has spent years abusing his body, and propping it up with all types of drugs. Hopefully someone gives him an award for this, he deserves it.

The way the film is shot is great too. It's so natural that it feels like a documentary at times.

Anyway, I loved this, and highly recommend. And if you don't trust me, like I know some of you don't (I'm sorry Paul, but I really thought 8MM would be good), Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 98% rating. And that's from professional movie reviewers, so you make up your own mind . . .