Cinderella Man and His Princess ***12

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2006)

"Cinderella Man" beautifully captures the depression era when despair was constant and hope was nothing more than a dream. That dream is Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) who captures the character. His talk, his walk, his style in the ring are all picture-perfect. You root for they guy because he is an underdog, a caring soul who gives back his relief money when things start to turn his way.
The children have that depression look about them. You feel their hunger as well as their pride for their champion-bound father.
Renee Zellwegger's finest hours come midway into the picture. I found her first part to be a contrived performance, best imitating a mixture of Alice Kramden and Sally Struthers. However, when the chips are down, she can pack an emotional wallop which the picture does as well.
The scenes of Hoovervilles are realistic and compelling.
Paul Giamatti has been nominated for best supporting actor for his performance as Braddock's trainer. He is there all the way, especially in the fight scenes, giving much needed supported encouragement to Braddock.
The film has been criticized for its depiction of Max Baer as a womanizer, and overall miserable character.
The film may also promote an anti-boxing feeling given that Baer killed 2 people in the ring and seemed to get pleasure out of it. We must remember that Crowe, in the final analysis, is the real hero for fighting his way out of the depression as well as the emotional "wallops" that he takes as well in the ring.
A memorable film which is well worth the effort.