"CINDERELLA MAN" delivers a knockout!

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2005)

It's somewhat early in the season to predict the Oscars, but "CINDERELLA MAN" is a sure bet for multiple nominations.
Ron Howard has, once again, directed a winning film, and this one makes you "feel"! Boxing legend Jim Braddock, having fought his way from rags to mediocrity in the ring is hardly able to provide for his family during the horrible depths of the Great Depression. The intensity of his love for his wife Mae (Renée Zellweger) and his three children drives him to elevate himself beyond the pain of broken wrist and rib to fight in the ring, work the docks, achieve an impossible dream and bring hope to the downtrodden masses of an entire country.
This is perhaps one of the best performances by Russell Crowe who shows powerful sentiments as Jim Braddock and whose boxing prowess makes you want to see more of the fights. In "Cinderella Man", Ron Howard has put you in the ring, facing Max Baer!!! An incredible feat of creativity gets you to follow the fight's connecting punches all the way to their impact on the cheering crowds. You are there  in the ring as well as in the audience! Renée Zellweger, as Mae Braddock is the Mom who had us at "Hello". Without her endless love, support and understanding, Jim Braddock is alone. She is the glue that keeps this family together, without lights, heat or milk.
See you at the Oscars!