Mark Wahlberg developed "instant" chemistry with Amy Adams on the set of `The Fighter`.

The muscular actor - who portrays boxer `Irish` Mickey Ward in the movie alongside Amy as Charlene Fleming - liked her as soon as they started to work on the film because she reminded him of a prettier version of girls he knew as a child.

He said: "She`s a sweetheart. The director David O. Russell always says that she doesn`t seem like the girl who could throw a punch but she reminds me of so many girls in my neighbourhood.

"She looks like an Irish Catholic, tough, no nonsense kind of girl. I saw that immediately. They`re not quite as pretty as Amy, the girls in my neighbourhood."

The 39-year-old star believes the drama film was a good opportunity for the flame-haired actress - known for her roles in `Enchanted` and `Julie and Julia` - to show a different side to her skill set.

He said: "I was very happy about that because I thought she would bring something very special to the table, and again showing a side of her that I certainly knew she was capable of doing but she hadn`t gotten to show yet."
sections: Celebrities