The Wrestler (DVD)

THE WRESTLER Intro: The role of Randy 'the Ram' Robinson originally belonged to Nicholas Cage, but he quit the job because he didn't think he'd have enough time to get into the shape of a steroid-pumped wrestler. Well thank the Lord that Cage quit, because, without wanting to slate Cage's acting ability, he could have never commanded the role at the same standard Rourke did.up The film was a huge hit, and although it didn't win any Oscars it was nominated for two. It also gained another 30 wins and 18 nominations, which goes to show what a great film it is. I managed to watch this at the cinema a while back, and it was worth every bit of my entrance fee ...  Read the complete review

Every Saturday afternoon at four o'clock I had to sit down with my Dad and watch wrestling. When I was a kid I really believed that it was a top sport and they were trained atheletes. When I found out that wrestling was 'fixed' I was absolutely amazed. How naive is that? The names of Jackie Pallo, Mick McManus, Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Sonny Boy Zimba were very familiar in our household and I can still hear the sounds of the referee shouting...Wunaah, toowah, threeyah.... and so on. So it is no surprise to my family that I wanted to see this film. Before I start to review the movie let me tell you that this isn't a sports film as such even though you do see ...  Read the complete review

The Wrestler is the story of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler now 20 years past his best, his career having peaked with a huge match with "The Ayatollah" at Madison Square Garden. 20 years on, we meet Randy living in the back of his van, having been locked out of his trailer as he owes the rent, working part time in a supermarket, and wrestling in school halls in front of meagre crowds at the weekends - far from the excitement and buzz that surrounded his early career. Randy cuts a lonely figure - he lives alone, his daughter has disowned him, fed up of being constantly disappointed by his failure to support her when she needs him, ...  Read the complete review

Like a lot of women my age I was pretty much smitten by Mickey Rourke during his career in the 1980's! The actor's pretty boy good looks and choice of raunchy roles meant for me that his sexual presence onscreen often distracted from his actual acting performance. I'll be honest, I never once watched Rourke in 9 1/2 Weeks or Desperate Hours or Diner and thought "Wow, he's a really talented actor...". I only ever thought: "He's hot..." which was a bit shallow of me since on reflection Rourke's performances in these films helped makes them classics. Rourke's 'sex symbol' status and his off screen bad boy reputation seemed to steer him ...  Read the complete review

20 years ago Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Micky Rourke) was at the height of his career as a professional wrestler, he was worshipped everywhere he went but somewhere along the line he lost everything; his career, his money and his daughter. These days Randy now works in a supermarket which he detests, he visit's the local strip club often to see his friend Cassidy, known to the outside world as Pam (Marisa Tomei) and he's desperate to rekindle some form of relationship with estranged daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). However with a fledging career as a wrestler going downhill swiftly after years of medical trouble he must make a heartrending choice between ...  Read the complete review