Come on ... you don't come back from "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man." You build on it: "The Wrestler"

Dropping back in as we approach two weeks of being a two-kid family. What fun. There's really nothing quite like juggling a screaming newborn and moody toddler. I suggest you try it.

Anyway, I caught the GREAT MICKEY ROURKE COMEBACK MOVIE before our new daughter arrived. There were the rave reviews, of course, but I've actually enjoyed the former boxer in other recent roles -- most notably as Marv in "Sin City." So call it a comeback if you want -- I mean, the guy did do Wild Orchid -- but it's not like he was in Siberia.

As you likely know, our story follows a one-time late '80s wrestling star now plying his trade on smaller stages as his life generally sucks. Here he is, still working out, shooting 'roids, tanning, dyeing his hair, and for what? To bang around high school gyms for pocket change? To show up at pathetic wrestling legends shows with other has-beens? To hang out at a strip club and make goo-goo eyes at Marisa Tomei? (If you thought her giving us the goods in "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" was something, just watch. And watch. And watch.)

Yes, this is the life of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, painfully captured in all its gritty, documentary-like glory by director Darren Aronofsky. While "The Wrestler" isn't as dreary as "Requiem for a Dream," it's definitely got some downer moments, mostly when it comes to the Ram's plight -- locked out of his trailer, begging for hours at a supermarket, trying to make nice with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood), hearing people use his given name. Sure, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair may still be running around these days, eons after their career peaks. But it's not hard to believe the Ram's story -- even with the lights dimmed, there's still a stage, sad as it may be.

Rourke is really good and earned that Oscar nomination. Not just the pathetic parts, but also the slice of life stuff -- from showing us behind the scenes how wrestling works to making his way with his supermarket job and his would-be love life. Of course, if you know Aronofsky, you know there's no happy ending, and that's about right. The rebirth of the Ram wouldn't be nearly as riveting as him simply being resolved to his lot in life.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the awesome music. Not Springsteen's mopey closing credits song or even Guns n' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine," which they got for free. No, I'm talking about some classic '80s hair metal. I know I missed a few, but I counted classic tracks by Quiet Riot, Cinderella and Ratt. Yes, "Round and Round" by Ratt! Where else are you going to see that song in a movie? Well, other than "Schindler's List," of course.