Uplifting and inspiring but could be more entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (24 March 2006)

There is no denying that Cinderella Man is a feel-good movie. The true story of Depression-era boxer James Braddock is among the most uplifting that sport has to offer. The film does a great job of bringing that story to life. It draws you in in such a way that it is impossible not to be a huge James Braddock fan by the time the final scenes play out. You see what makes this amazing man tick, the love he has for his family, the willingness to do anything for those he loves. You see the courage and determination that was required just to get by in this poverty-stricken time. You see this seemingly broken, beaten-down fighter show the heart of a champion. You see all this and you can't help but be inspired as Braddock's amazing story plays out before you. But there's the sense that something's missing. For all that this film has going for it there is a certain energy missing. It takes a while to get going and while there are bursts of energy throughout that energy is never really sustained. The pacing, or rather the lack of pacing, keeps a very good movie from being something truly great.
While the story may move a little slowly at times the fact does remain that it is a truly wonderful story. And the actors who bring this story to life all do a tremendous job. As Braddock, Russell Crowe gives another in a long line of remarkable performances. Balancing the heart of this amazing family man with the strength of this amazing champion is no small feat and Crowe is to be commended for pulling it off so brilliantly. Very few actors would have been up to the task. Also reliably terrific is Paul Giammati as Braddock's manager, Joe Gould. Giammati may seem a little over the top at times in his portrayal but it works. Much of the energy the film does have comes from him. Portraying Braddock's wife, Renee Zellweger is solid if not spectacular. This is clearly Crowe's film all the way and Zellweger is left to play off of him and she does so admirably. Other familiar faces including Bruce McGill, Paddy Considine and Craig Bierko have smaller, but still important, roles and each of these actors also turns in fine work.
So what we have is a terrific story which is wonderfully performed. Should be an absolute knockout. But Cinderella Man never quite hits the heights one might hope. It's certainly a very good film, one worth seeing especially if you need a little pick-me-up. You can't help but be inspired. But you may wish you were a little more entertained.