The Fightah is a Contendah

Rating System    

4 Dunkies-Wicked Awesome; Add to DVD Collection

3 Dunkies- Wicked Good

2 Dunkies-  I’d rather be at Fenway during a rain delay.

1 Dunkie- I’d rather be stuck on the Red Line during the morning commute.

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I'm giving 3 1/2 Dunkies to The Fighter.  The Fighter is another made in Massachusetts movie about Lowell boxing brothers Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund. If you've read the reviews or have seen The Fighter then you know that Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale give solid portrayals as the brothers.  
   Wahlberg and Bale do deserve many accolades, however I think it's the women in this film who steal the show.  Melissa Leo and Amy Adams give standout performances.  Leo portrays Alice the boys' overbearing and pushy mother. Adams plays Charlene, Micky's tough girlfriend. Their accents are spot on.  Adams and Leo shine in their scenes going head to head with each other. They especially pack a punch in their scenes with the actresses that play the brothers' seven sisters.  Micky Ward's and Dicky Eklund's sisters are some tough broads. They are truly devoted to their family even when it seems a bit over the top. There is a moment when the sisters and Alice all descend upon Charlene's house and give her the business.  Hair gets pulled and blood goes flying and I found it more entertaining than some of the actual boxing scenes.
    I recommend seeing The Fighter.  It's definitely worth going a few rounds for.
   
   

Get Your Ducks in a Row

This morning my dad and I walked around the Beacon Hill area of the city.  It's quite a charming part of town with the cobblestone streets and stately brownstones. The area is steeped in a rich history. Some notable names who have resided on Beacon Hill include Hancock, Alcott, Bulfinch and Kennedy among others.  Walking down Pinckney Street, I was reminded of some other well known residents that lived a few blocks over. The Mallards.  Remember Mr. and Mrs. Mallard from Make Way for Ducklings? Well, as I'm walking down Pinckney I spot a lone duck just sitting there on the brick sidewalk and I immediately think this duck must be a descendant of the Mallards. (yeah, I know the Mallards in the book are fictional but just go along with me, ok?) I mean what are the chances of seeing a duck sort of just staking it's place on a Beacon Hill sidewalk in the middle of winter?

Make Way for Ducklings statue

Real duck.

Inspired by this duck, dad and I walked the few blocks to the Boston Public Garden and checked out the Wake Way for Ducklings statue.  In a city where it seems there are just as many statues of historical figures on the corner as there are Dunkin Donuts, I find it endearing that one of the most popular statues in Boston is a tribute to a duck family. 

If you have time this winter, take a stroll through Beacon Hill and the Public Garden.  You never know what you might encounter.

Winter Wonder

   Wish it could look like this all winter.