The Fighter

One thing the Academy loves is the boxing genre--from Raging Bull to Million Dollar Baby, and now with The Fighter, films that center around boxing always seem to guarantee themselves a spot in the best picture category. The strongest aspect of The Fighter is certainly the acting, with strong performances from Mark Walberg, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams, but most importantly, Christian Bale, who plays a former boxing pro turned crack addict. Loosing nearly 100 pounds to fit the role, Bale gives a tour-de-force performance as Dickey Eklund, not only through his drastic physical transformation, but through his skill mastering the mannerisms and behavioral patterns of a man whose life was ruined by crack-cocaine. Bale became the character; he was the role. And, not to mention the other candidates for best supporting actor are mediocre at best, providing Bale with a really good chance at taking home his first, well deserved Oscar.
As for best picture, probably not happening. With Million Dollar Baby winning it only 7 years ago, the Academy will likely offer the award to a film devoid of the boxing theme. Sorry David O. Russel, bad timing I suppose. However, the original screenplay does have a chance, although its going to have a tough time competing against The King's Speech and Christopher Nolan's highly imaginative Inception.