The Wrestler

[poopshoot]

So there isn't much talk about small films coming out and I wanted to point this one out.

Just saw this tonight at the Chicago International Film Festival and let me tell you....this is a beautiful and heartbreaking film. I used to be a fan of wrestling when I was in high school, but since lost interest. If anyone has seen the documentary "Beyond the Mat" they should definitely check this movie out.

It's directed by Darren Aronofsky (his most straight forward film) and stars Micky Rourke as an aging professional wrestler from the 1980s who is forced to retire after a heart attack threatens to kill him the next time he wrestles. He takes a job at a deli, attempts to form a relationship with an aging stripper (Marisa Tomei) and does his best to reconcile with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). However, he is drawn to the prospect of a rematch with his old wrestling nemesis the Ayatollah (Ernest Miller), even though the fight may cost him his life.

This film is amazing so please check this out. The wrestling is great, the acting is great, the story is great, and I'm man enough to admit that there were moments I teared up. There were also some really hilarious moments.

This movie is beautiful, yes I said beautiful!

For people who don't like Aronofsky's work, don't worry there are no crazy edits, cuts, or crazy "artsy" film making. Just a straight story with a lot of heart.

Don't wait for the blu-ray on this one (if it comes out on it). This movie is worth going to your theater, or "art house" theater, when it comes out.