I never thought I would find myself saying this: I’m really looking forward to watching this movie about a wrestler. (Granted - I’ve already seen Vision Quest. But that was an entirely different type of wrestling.)

Despite a list memorable performances (good and bad) through the 80’s, Mickey Rourke’s career - and face - eventually took quite a beating. Now, after some recent roles in Domino and Sin City, his name is once again being buzzed about. He’s even got people whispering about a possible Oscar.

In The Wrestler, Rourke plays Randy “Ram” Robinson, a former professional wrestler who is forced into retirement after a heart attack. (Nicolas Cage was once attached to this role.) During his attempt to rebuild his life, he finds romance with a stripper and tries to reach out to his estranged daughter. Later, he decides to risk possible death for a chance to fight an old nemesis.

Although the premise seems slightly cheesy on paper, the Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) film has earned rave reviews. It also won the the Golden Lion Award for Best Film at the 2008 Venice Film Festival.

The Wrestler - also starring Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood - is scheduled to open on December 17. Until then, you can take a small trip back down memory lane to remember what a handsome Mickey Rourke used to look like before his boxing days.

(FYI - aside from an annoying song, these clips from 1986’s 9 1/2 Weeks don’t have anything objectionable in them.)