Though populated with major stars, Wrestler is squarely an indie film. It absolutely shines as a character study. Written honestly, filmed starkly, and acted to perfection, the film compels from beginning to end and Mickey Rourke makes bringing a spectrum of emotions to screen seem simple. He's a loveable loser. He's truly charming, strong, vulnerable, oblivious, not-oblivious, tough, funny, absolutely faulted, and endearing.

His performance in Sin City rocked as well, aside from the initial excitement of the film's cool look, Rourke was that film. And as soon as his character left it, the picture lost half its overall appeal.

Rourke's costars in Wrestler also bring quality to the picture. You'll enjoy the candid camaraderie among the muscle bound men as well. It all feels very sincere. In fact, sincere is a good word for the film on the whole.

But like many indies the script doesn't call for a strong climax, and, again, the character study is emphasized over a more commercial arc. I'm biased toward an emotional climax, so I missed it here. But, I still quite enjoyed this film and solidly recommend it. I'll root for Mickey to win that academy award.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator/Speaker Ross Anthony --