Superb Film

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2005)

Yesterday was Father's Day and, as usual, my kids took me and their mama to the movies. It is something that I like so it's very cool. The film du jour was Cinderella Man.
First we had Rocky and then there was Raging Bull. Now we have James J. Braddock, the Cinderella Man. First and foremost let me say that this is easily the best film of the year, to date. It's a boxing film that isn't a boxing film. It leads you from good times in the twenties to the dire consequences of the depressive thirties. It's the story of a man, his wife, and his children. It's the story of the fat and the lean. It's the story of what you see isn't always what is real. It's the story of pride, passion, and existence. All told, it's a beautiful story.
Russell Crowe plays Jimmy Braddock. Russell, well, is Russell, and that's a good thing, he gets so deeply into this role that you want to cheer with and for him. You want to weep with and for him. I left the theater wanting to hug him, what a role, what a character. Renée Zellweger plays Mae Braddock, Jimmy's wife. She is a typical wife of the time, she wants to make Jimmy happy, loves him to death and rears their children with so much love that you want to hug her as well. Paul Giamatti is Jimmy's manager. If Paul gets overlooked for supporting actor for this role, I'm going to give up Oscar. There is a scene with Jimmy and his son, Jay, played by Connor Price that makes you want to tear your heartstrings out. Opie, er, Ron Howard has his best directing effort yet. I told my son that I think Ron may well be the finest director of his day, and he's right up there with any day, yesterday and tomorrow. The entire supporting cast is simply wonderful. I wanted to strangle Max Baer, played by Craig Bierko. The fight scenes are well choreographed, maybe a bit bloody, but it's a bloody sport. I can see this film getting multiple Oscar nominations, even if it is early in the film season, it's that powerful. This is not a movie easily forgotten.
Did I mention that I liked this film? I highly recommend it to all..........