another knockout for director ron howard

Rating: 9/10 (16 March 2006)

I watched Cinderella Man recently and highly recommend it. The story revolves around depression-era boxer (J. Braddock) played by Russell Crowe. His wife is played by Renee Z. and Paul Giametti plays his manager. The story is basically about his fall from near glory and his amazing comeback. Now, we have seen this formula before, but there's several reasons that for this movie that doesn't really matter. First of all, this is a true story (or based on a true story of J. Braddock), although I was not familiar with the man when I saw this film. Secondly, the way this story is unfolded, you will be rooting for him and hanging off the edge of your seat whether you know how the story ends or not. The last 20 minutes are especially exciting and we all love movies that end well. Lastly, this film is also the story of the Great Depression, and let me tell you, the hopelessness of the people of that era is well conveyed. For me it really put into perspective just how much Americans before us have suffered, and how good we have it now. Better than any point in our history really. Russell C. becomes the humble soft-spoken Braddock, and his performance seemed flawless to me. I felt every line he spoke in the movie was appropriately delivered and felt real. I always look forward to seeing Paul Giamatti in a film, regardless of what film it is, and he sure doesn't disappoint here. His performance just in the corner of the boxing ring watching Braddock box is almost as intense as the fighting itself. Of course Rene Z. is perfect in her role as always, and never seems to have a trace of "Hollywood" in her, but instead all you'll see is a desperate depression era housewife. It seems that director Ron Howard is incapable of making a mediocre movie, almost as if he doesn't know how to fail. His track record, while not producing the huge talked about blockbusters like some directors, is really an amazing string of consistently great movies, and this one is even one of the better of his collection. Chalk this up as one of the best boxing movies made. Put it up there with Rocky (the first one), Raging Bull and Million Dollar Baby. If you don't have it yet, add it too your collection.