Hard-hitting boxing, and sentiment that works!

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2006)

Ron Howard has made a name for himself for directing dull, politically correct Academy award favourites; and it is with that in mind that I decided that I didn't want to see this film. But I'm glad I changed my mind! Cinderella Man is more than just a follow-up to Clint Eastwood boxing success with 'Million Dollar Baby', and reunites the 'Best Picture winning team of Russell Crowe and Ron Howard, for the story of depression era boxer, Jim J. Braddock. Braddock was more than just a boxer in his time; he became the hope of the United States for the working class; so you've got to expect a lot of sentiment from this film. But, that is where Cinderella Man stands out; both from other films in it's class, and the rest of Howard's oeuvre - there is sentiment here, but it's not of the 'fake' kind - Howard builds it up excellently. By keeping the focus on the main character, the director is able to explore both the central figure and the era in which the film is set; and after showing the audience Braddock's first fight, and the situation that he and his family have found themselves in; it really is impossible not to only feel for this man, but get behind him as he tries to fight his way to the World Heavyweight Title.
I don't profess to be the biggest fan of Russell Crowe, but you can always count on a strong lead performance from him, and that is what he delivers in this film. His acting here isn't great; but he portrays the right image that you would associate with his character, and his in-ring performance massively outweighs his performance outside of it. The fights in Cinderella Man are well choreographed, and thanks to some excellent first person cinematography; are always exciting, and it really feels like the boxers are actually being hurt! The support cast isn't bad, and it's Paul Giamatti who stands out the most there. His Oscar nomination seems more to be compensation for the film not receiving a 'Best Picture' nomination than anything; but as I say, he's not bad. Renee Zellweger is the weak link for me; I haven't been impressed with her so far, and her role here doesn't even give her a chance to change that. This film could be classified as 'predictable', but it wasn't for me as I've never heard of Jim Braddock, and therefore don't know the results of his fights; meaning that anything could have happened. Overall; I dint rate this as the best film of the year, but it is a milestone for its director. It's taken him a while, but Ron Howard has finally directed a great film.