Knockout Movie!

Rating: 9/10 (6 June 2005)

Russell Crowe's performance is awesome. This movie makes you realize how people struggled during the great depression. His wife doesn't like for him to box because of the risks involved, but he realizes it's the only way to take care of his family. The story is wonderful, based on the true life story of James J. Braddock. In the beginning he is a contender for the world heavyweight championship, but then he loses his license to box due to a few bad performances. He struggles to feed his family and pay his bills. A once well to do family now is dependent on welfare and Braddock even has to beg to pay his bills. After not having boxed for for a few years he has an opportunity to fight again because the number two world heavy weight contender has an upcoming fight and his opponent pulls out of the fight and no one is willing to fight him. His ex-manager comes to see him and asks him if he wants the fight which pays $250.00. He jumps at the opportunity because of his financial situation. I enjoyed the movie and I would see it again. The movie is definitely worth the price of admission. Very realistic and believable. My compliments to Ron Howard aka Richie Cunningham and Opie Taylor.
Enjoy, Eddie