Entertaining, emotional, suspenseful

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2005)

This movie is a winner on most counts. Russell Crowe is amazing as the depression-era fighter James Braddock; his manager - played by Paul Giamatti is effective; and Bruce McGill holds his own against both. Even Renée Zellweger (who I sometimes find to be a bit affected) as his wife, has her moments and is very good.
While something could be said about not really showing 'who' Jim Braddock was, by all accounts he was an uncomplicated man devoted to his family. So possibly, the movie was factual in not showing more. But the criticism is minor, and in all actuality does not take anything away from the film.
And even though I knew the outcome, the suspense still built up in the final scenes, and provided a crowd pleasing ending that was not in the least bit contrived, maudlin, or false. Ron Howard has created anther fine film, and proves once again (as if he needed to) that he is a major directorial talent.