MOVIE NEWS ... THE FIGHTER

MOVIE NEWS ... THE FIGHTER

After scoring major indie film awards last year with "The Wrestler," director/writer Darren Aronofsky announced a different project called "The Fighter." Originally designed as a starring vehicle for Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg, the film looked like it would fall short of being a real contender. After suffering through financial and script problems, Damon withdrew. Rumours of Brad Pitt taking over the role proved unfounded. Earlier this year, Aronofsky walked away from the project. David O. Russell ("Three Kings," "I Heart Huckabees") has coached "The Fighter" into reality, reteaming with Wahlberg in bringing the life of Boston's own "Irish" Micky Ward to the screen. Christian Bale harrowingly reinvents his physical self to portray Ward's trainer-turned-addict Dickie Eklund. Amy Adams as Ward's love interest. "The Fighter" is set for release in 2010.