An intelligent, entertaining, and excellent movie

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2005)

Forget the usual, mindless popcorn fare the summer usually brings - Cinderella Man is a cool drink on a hot day, and at the end it'll leave you wanting more. Russell Crowe is as good as he's ever been (and when you're talking about Russell Crowe - that's as good as it gets!). He can express everything Jim Braddock is feeling without a word, and gives grace, humanity, and depth to what could have been a one-note character. Renee is fantastic as Mae, and Paul G. is stunning. The interaction between the three leads is a joy to watch and crackles with electricity. But it's the story that really gets you. The true life roller coaster of Jim Braddocks life will move you and inspire you in a way, I dare say, no other movie will this year.