THE WRESTLER 3.5+**** “The Wrestler” is a drama centered around an aging professional wrestler well past his prime. Randy "The Ram" played by Mickey Rourke, is struggling to hold onto the very last thread of his fame in the bottom ranks of the sport. His struggles however can be translated to most anyone who has passed their prime and can't quite let go. He's a lonely guy whose life seems to have passed him by. He's a wrestler who needs wrestling more than wrestling needs him. He needs it to feel important because he really has nothing else to show for himself… no wife and a daughter he abandoned early on. Health problems begin to compromise his wrestling career as he tries to deal with the real world and rebuild his relationship with his daughter played by Evan Rachel Wood in another superb performance by her.

Rourke's portrayal of the Randy is one of the best in a long time. He's not just acting, he transforms into the character on screen. It's amazing to watch. Picking Rourke for this role was a masterstroke. Some years ago he went through a mid-life crisis, played with bodybuilding and steroids, attempted professional boxing and generally screwed up his whole career while turning his body into an unnatural freak show. He looks the pathetic personification of Ram and does a masterful job bringing him to life.

Marisa Tomei is terrific as Cassidy, the romantic interest of Randy. Tomei is a perfect physical fit for the role of the aging stripper. She's still gorgeous, but there are just enough lines on her face to make her character’s age (early 40s) believable. Tomei completely knocks this one out of the park. Her Cassidy hurts as much on the inside as Randy “The Ram” hurts on the outside, and they have much in common. They live in a world where corruption of the body is a part of their trade. And, like Randy, her best days were in the 80's when metal bands ruled and her body was in top form.

The film does a great job of showing professional wrestling with realism without mocking it and highlights its humor, but never makes fun of it. It reveals the truth behind the wrestlers' performances and also destroys the facade of their apparent rage towards each other…it’s all a part of the act….the “showbiz”. It becomes clear through the film that these guys are friends--they care about and respect each other. The film respects them and their world, and demands the same from the audience.

The title of this film has a double meaning. Going in, you know the title refers to the profession of the main character. Upon exiting, you come to understand that the title also refers to what the main character must do every day……. wrestle with life.