Review: Co-star Bale rules in Wahlberg's 'Fighter' (AP)

Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale's "The Fighter" is a punch-drunk tale whose fitful ramble from Jerry Springer-style family seaminess to "Rocky"-like triumph is elevated enormously by knockout performances.

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Less a boxing drama than a drama with some boxing in it, "The Fighter" turns Bale loose in a supporting role that dominates director David O. Russell's film, much as Heath Ledger's Joker took over "The Dark Knight" from its hero, Bale's Batman. Not that Wahlberg comes up short in any way as real-life boxer Micky Ward, who rose from his blue-collar roots and overcame ugly squabbling with his relations to earn a title shot in 2000, when he was in his mid-30s.

Review: Co-star Bale rules in Wahlberg's 'Fighter' (AP)