StaggerLee
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|  #1 Posted on 17.12.08 1910.48 | Instant Rating: 1.67 | http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3773747
Since I agree with about 98% of what he likes entertainment wise, it makes me so much more anxious to see this flick.| Promote this thread! |           | odessasteps
Scrapple
Since: 2.1.02
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| #2 Posted on 17.12.08 2029.02 | Instant Rating: 7.19 |
Simmons is a longtime Observer subscriber. He also had Dave on his podcast last year after the Benoit stuff went down.
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine
The Affirmation, Baby Blog | DJ FrostyFreeze
Knackwurst
Since: 2.1.02
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| #3 Posted on 18.12.08 1132.12 | Instant Rating: 8.27 | 
Here are a couple of stories on The Wrestler found at latimes.com (and other places):
Originally posted by L.A. Times movie review
“The Wrestler” doesn’t add up. It’s constructed with great care around a lead performance that is everything it could possibly be, but the picture itself is off-putting and disappointing. How can this be? (More)
Originally posted by L.A. Times.com
WWF CHAMPS SUPPORT MICKEY ROURKE'S 'WRESTLER'
 Real-life World Wrestling Federation superstars Greg "the Hammer" Valentine, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, and Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake showed up for last night's premiere of "The Wrestler," starring Golden Globe nominees Mickey Rourke, Marissa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. (More)
Originally posted by NYMag.com
After a recent screening of [The Wrestler], we found ourselves standing face-to-face with three-time WWF champion Mick Foley (who, along with Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, was one of the sport's biggest stars of the late nineties). (More)
Originally posted by L.A. Times.com
In “The Wrestler,” which opens today, Rourke makes what is likely his last best go at regaining the respect and acclaim he walked away from to pursue a boxing career, a last shot at a comeback after years of self-destructive behavior and forgettable movies. Rourke’s role as a once top-billed professional wrestler now struggling even for gigs in high school gymnasiums and grappling with age, injuries and personal demons was tailored specifically to the actor. (More)
I have six words for you |
| hansen9j
Bierwurst
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|  #4 Posted on 18.12.08 1143.17 | Instant Rating: 7.37 | I just remember reading the stories of them filming at ROH & CZY, and thinking that this was probably going to be a pretty poor movie. Since then it's been getting these *insanely* positive reviews, and I keep finding myself looking forward to it more than any Oscar movie this year.
It is the policy of the documentary crew to remain true observers and not interfere with its subjects.
If you wanna reach the Co-op, boy, you gotta get by me. | djp
Morcilla
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| #5 Posted on 18.12.08 1230.08 | Instant Rating: 4.54 | | I have to see it - even if it's gut-wrenching. As Simmons eludes, it's based on about 50 true stories. | Trunzo
Cotechino
Since: 25.7.03
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| #6 Posted on 27.12.08 1646.27 | Instant Rating: 5.13 | Originally posted by DJ FrostyFreeze
Here are a couple of stories on The Wrestler found at latimes.com (and other places):
Originally posted by L.A. Times movie review
“The Wrestler” doesn’t add up. It’s constructed with great care around a lead performance that is everything it could possibly be, but the picture itself is off-putting and disappointing. How can this be? (More)
After watching the movie twice in the past 2 days, I can say that this LA Times review is horribly misinformed, inaccurate, and just generally in the dark on the movie, its premise, what makes it work, and the realism it portrays. | Oliver
Scrapple
Since: 20.6.02
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| #7 Posted on 27.12.08 1843.32 | Instant Rating: 3.35 | Originally posted by Trunzo
Originally posted by DJ FrostyFreeze
Here are a couple of stories on The Wrestler found at latimes.com (and other places):
Originally posted by L.A. Times movie review
“The Wrestler” doesn’t add up. It’s constructed with great care around a lead performance that is everything it could possibly be, but the picture itself is off-putting and disappointing. How can this be? (More)
After watching the movie twice in the past 2 days, I can say that this LA Times review is horribly misinformed, inaccurate, and just generally in the dark on the movie, its premise, what makes it work, and the realism it portrays.
[rant="on"]
Most reviewers can be that way. I generally ignore reviews: they're, for the most part, opinion pieces about the movies, and the people reviewing them don't have a personal investment in them. In that, I mean, they're being paid to watch movies, as opposed to those who invest $12 for a movie ticket or something.
[rant="off"]
Anyhow, I saw it, and I loved it, and I'm tempted to see it again.
(edited by Oliver on 27.12.08 1744)
Unicow, unicow...he's a unicorn cow! | cfgb
Lap cheong
Since: 2.1.02
From: Ottawa, Ontario
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| #8 Posted on 1.1.09 2026.02 | Instant Rating: 4.81 | I watched it this evening and will probably watch it again tomorrow.
Flawless execution by Rourke. The CZW backstage stuff had my girlfriend's stomach turning, and she asked if this is really what goes on.
Rourke looked and acted the part of a washed up 1980's wrestler. He could have been anyone currently running through the indy circuit who's held on way too long.
Amazing flick. I am saddened I could not see this in the theatre because it wasn't released anywhere near me, and this appears to be a problem throughout a lot of North America.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, Ernest Miller absolutely slays me. From 3 Time Karate Champion Ali-wannabe to ... well, keep your eyes open.
(edited by cfgb on 1.1.09 2130) | John Orquiola
Scrapple
Since: 28.2.02
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| #9 Posted on 1.1.09 2036.29 | Instant Rating: 3.83 | I've seen it twice too. I absolutely love it.
If you've already seen it and have the inclination to read the 1300 words or so I wrote about it, here's my SPOILER-FILLED (you've been warned) review:
http://www.backofthehead.com/entertainment/2009-01-01.thewrestler.html | Botter
Bauerwurst
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| #10 Posted on 2.1.09 0940.28 | | I saw it last night, and it absolutely is gut-wrenching and difficult to watch. It's an incredible film, though, and Rourke's performance is as good of an acting job as I've seen. | Deputy Marshall
Liverwurst
Since: 28.6.04
From: Troy, NY
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| #11 Posted on 2.1.09 1543.57 | Instant Rating: 4.39 | My anticipation for this film is higher than any movie that's come out in the past couple years. And yes, as big of a comic book dork as I am, I'm counting "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man" in that statement.
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Goetta
Since: 13.4.04
From: Des Moines, IA
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| #12 Posted on 2.1.09 1809.03 | Instant Rating: 4.36 |
Really awesome review, John.
You pointed out a great number of things that I wouldn't have picked up on - Randy's wrestler mentality when it comes to everyday, normal things.
I think that one of my favorite moments, and this isn't spoiling anything, is when Randy (or Robin) is getting ready to enter through the deli doors. Just awesome.
I know that there are going to be the inevitable 'Rocky' comparisons here. If that is the case, I'm going to vote that The Wrestler beats Balboa hands-down.
Malone.
Ex-Cop, Ex-CIA, Ex-plosive. | griff
Goetta
Since: 26.2.04
From: Manchester, England
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|  #13 Posted on 5.1.09 1457.54 | Instant Rating: 4.45 | Yep, I'll ditto the great review, John. Some absolutely spot-on observations.
| StingArmy
Andouille
Since: 3.5.03
From: Georgia bred, you can tell by my Hawk jersey
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| #14 Posted on 7.1.09 0521.44 | Instant Rating: 5.06 | Just saw it tonight and liked it a lot. Some observations:
1) Rourke is in way better shape than any 20-years-ago washed up wrestler could hope to be. He looks amazing in this film.
2) Ernest Miller, on the other hand, has put on a not insignificant amount of weight. He didn't even dance or call his momma! I was also pretty surprised at his role. When I heard he was in this movie, never in a million years would I have guessed he played an Iranian wrestler. Huh??
3) Marisa Tomei is obscenely, ridiculously, unbelievably hot in this movie - and pretty much naked in countless scenes. This should happen way more often.
4) I couldn't tell if Randy's daughter was supposed to be a sympathetic character. Her situation is something I could feel sorry for, but Evan Rachel Wood (the actress who played the role) made her into an absolute bitch. I cringed every time she was on the screen because of how poorly she treated her father.
Definitely worth seeing if you haven't already.
- StingArmy | DJ FrostyFreeze
Knackwurst
Since: 2.1.02
From: Hawthorne, CA
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| #15 Posted on 7.1.09 1046.36 | Instant Rating: 8.27 |
Originally posted by StingArmy
I couldn't tell if Randy's daughter was supposed to be a sympathetic character. Her situation is something I could feel sorry for, but Evan Rachel Wood (the actress who played the role) made her into an absolute bitch. I cringed every time she was on the screen because of how poorly she treated her father.
I'd have to disagree. She certainly was bitchy/angry during her 1st and 3rd encounters with her father in the film (the 2nd one at the pier was very touching), but I thought it was pretty established that he deserved it both times. I've had friends who have been in similar situations ("abandoned" by a parent at a young age, not having pro-wrestlers as parents) and some of them stayed angry at that parent into adulthood. One of them even had their dad try to make a "too little, too late" connection that didnt go well.
I think she (The Ram's daughter) may have over-reacted during the 3rd encounter after Randy missed their date, but I just chalked it up to the idea that that probably wasnt the first (or second, or third, etc) time she was let down by one of his broken promises.
I have six words for you |
| griff
Goetta
Since: 26.2.04
From: Manchester, England
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| #16 Posted on 7.1.09 1143.47 | Instant Rating: 4.45 | You could also argue that her character may have thought that her dad had suffered another heart attack, and was then angry at herself for worrying over him when he was simply suffering from a comedown/hangover. I'd say she plays the character really well.
(edited by griff on 7.1.09 1544) | The King of Keith
Lap cheong
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| #17 Posted on 12.1.09 0054.02 | Instant Rating: 3.98 | I think this is one of the best movies I've seen in years. I don't know if it's because it's about something that is very near and dear to me or if it's because the movie is simply spectacular. I'm going to let it sit for a couple of days and then see it again. It's very odd seeing professional wrestling on a screen without the eye-rolling and smirks. The movie didn't treat the business as evil, or good. It was neutral, and that was perfect for the film.
The Ram deserved the Golden Globe tonight.
Hail to the Redskins! | KJames199
Knackwurst
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| #18 Posted on 17.1.09 2259.13 | Instant Rating: 7.33 | Finally saw this. It was very good, though it's hard to judge a movie when I knew the story, plot, characters, cameos, ending, etc. going into it. It was pretty much what I expected and I can't really add anything to the conversation - Rourke was great, Tomei was very good, the backstage stuff was neat, and all that.
Why did the NES game have Atari 2600 sound effects?
JK: LJ, S&H, KMA, FB | JustinShapiro
Scrapple
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| #19 Posted on 25.1.09 1328.05 | Instant Rating: 8.18 | Originally posted by StingArmy
When I heard he was in this movie, never in a million years would I have guessed he played an Iranian wrestler.
I don't think he was supposed to be an actual Iranian. Unless that's what you meant too. A foreign heel being played by an American with the other country's flag is an authentic touch. One of many.
Originally posted by StevenRichards
I know that there are going to be the inevitable 'Rocky' comparisons here. If that is the case, I'm going to vote that The Wrestler beats Balboa hands-down.
Me, I don't know if I'd compare them, except for the leads on steroids factor. Rocky is about a heroic, inspirational guy. The Wrestler is about a pretty pathetic and tragic figure -- there's not much in there that was redemptive.
(edited by JustinShapiro on 25.1.09 1428) | odessasteps
Scrapple
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| #20 Posted on 25.1.09 1526.14 | Instant Rating: 7.32 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro
Originally posted by StingArmy
When I heard he was in this movie, never in a million years would I have guessed he played an Iranian wrestler.
I don't think he was supposed to be an actual Iranian. Unless that's what you meant too. A foreign heel being played by an American with the other country's flag is an authentic touch. One of many.
Well, "the Ayatollah's" real name was Bob and he was a car dealer in Arizona.
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine
The Affirmation, Baby Blog | | Pages: 1 2 Next
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