Surprising Movie Experience

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2002)

I don't expect much from Ron Howard these days. I don't expect much from Russell Crowe either. But this is a combination that just seemed to make magic. I have given Crowe credit for his role in The Insider, but his role in Gladiator was not deserving of the Best Actor Oscar. It was uninspiring garbage and it did not fit him. Crowe has since redeemed himself with his role of genius John Nash. About a year back, I picked up the book A Beautiful Mind and thought that this was one of the greatest stories ever told. When the film was put into production, I felt cheated that a man like Russell Crowe was set to play Nash. I was wrong. Crowe grabbed this role and played it to the bone. His character development throughout the movie was awe inspiring.
I don't like Ron Howard. He is generally out to make a blockbuster picture and it kills me. Why? Because he has talent. Even though he was on Happy Days, he has grown into a very controlling director. This man wasted his talents with The Grinch and A Beautiful Mind has brought back the visionary mind that I saw in Apollo 13. This is simply his best work.
The book had it all. The movie has it all. It is a rare occurrence when a movie might be better than the book. I give it two thumbs up, 5/5, or for IMDB: 10.