Get Your Dukes Up

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2005)

Greetings again from the darkness. We all know Ron Howard is a master of melodrama and sometimes lays it on bit heavy. While "Cinderella Man" is no exception, the sappy moments are few and are fully offset by the beauty and grace and power of the movie. This is expert film-making and "Cinderella Man" immediately jumps to the top of the best film of 2005 list.
While Howard does a tremendous job of capturing the depression era and the hardships that so many families faced, what may be most impressive is the captivating performances he obtains from the stellar cast. Russell Crowe is pure gold as folk hero and boxing champ James J. Braddock. Crowe commands the screen and his quiet strength makes him perfect for this good and heroic figure. This is the first film since "Jerry Maguire" that I have not found Renee Zellweger to be over the top and annoying. A tip of the cap to Howard for inducing a more subdued performance from her. Great to see Paddy Considine (so wonderful as Johnny in "In America") in a meaningful role as Braddock's buddy. Howard also works in his dad, Rance (as ring announcer) and brother Clint (as referee) in what has become a family tradition. The casting of Craig Bierko as Max Baer was brilliant as he is frightening as the hard-hitting (and future father of Jethro Bodine!) heavyweight fighter. Not sure exactly what to say about Paul Giamatti. He wreaks greatness as Braddock's longtime loyal manager. Giamatti will no doubt garner much discussion for a Best Supporting nomination for next year's Oscars. This role is well-written and multi-faceted and Giamatti brings a wonderful spirit to the film.
Many already know how the real life story ends, but as with Howard's "Apollo 13", that in no way distracts from the power of the story or the film. Ron Howard has two upcoming high-profile project: "The DaVinci Code" and a remake of "East of Eden". He could easily secure his place in Hollywood history if he delivers on those films in the same manner he delivers here.