I haven't seen THE FIGHTER yet, but I can't imagine any actor deserving the best supporting actor award more than Geoffrey Rush. Christian Bale's work must be really amazing.
Colin Firth was absolutely wonderful. Just so human, so engaging. I really wanted him to succeed!
I liked it far better than I expected to, based on the reviews. I went because it was 3D, which I've never seen, and we had a free night. I'm so glad we went. As far as being slow, I always find the part leading up to Marley's appearance slow, whether it be a movie or a stage version.
My one criticism is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come sequence. Too much is added to utilize the 3D technology, and it extends the story unnecessarily. My husband said, "It was ... too... too..." and I said, "Too Jim Carrey?" and he said "Yeah."
I thought it was very well acted and the cinematography of London was wonderful. Without the 3D, it would've been just another Christmas Carol, and I would've waited to see it on video or regular TV.