Ron Howard on top of his game

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2005)

Cinderella Man follows the life and career of boxer James Braddock during the Great Depression. After sustaining a string of injuries, Braddock, once a champion fighter, is thrown out of the boxing league. As boxing was his main source of income, Braddock must seek alternative means to pay the bills and to feed his family. A fortunate string of events leads to Braddock's being given a second chance, although his wife is reluctant to subject him to such brutality once again. I don't want to take away from the experience by giving away any more of the plot, but anyone who is familiar with Braddock's story knows this will be a phenomenal film. Ron Howard simultaneously captures the brutality of Braddock's fights and his gentle nature. Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger brilliantly portray Mr. and Mrs. Braddock, and Paul Giamatti gives a fabulous performance as Braddock's manager and friend. Take my word for it, Cinderella Man is definitely worth seeing.