Made for the Oscars

Rating: 7/10 (21 May 2005)

As much as Howard has captured the bleakness of the depression 30's era, and a well talented cast provides some good performances, Cinderella man is very much a formula picture where we all know how it is going to turn out, but will just go along with the ride.
What I would call this "Seabiscuit" of boxing, is tailor made for the Oscars for its easy to identify story line and spirited typical feel good plot device.
You know who the good guys are, and the bad guys are overplayed. So much so that Max Baer comes off as a complete psychopath in this film.
If you like formula movies this one is tailor made for you, and the boxing scenes will leave you pummeled. I swear my hands hurt after watching this. But if you pine for something with a little more creativity and less paint by numbers I would steer clear of it.
7 out of 10