Exciting and Magical Directing, Acting and Writing Moments

Rating: 10/10 (3 June 2005)

When I chose this film, I was looking forward to a predictable feel good story with a few actors I enjoy watching. I knew this was a Ron Howard/Brian Grazer project (now I see Penny Marshall produced alongside them) and I looked forward to that as well. What I didn't expect is to be surprised continually in and at this film.
I didn't know the Jim Braddock story going in, yet I don't believe that this would have taken from my enjoyment if I had. The writing, directing and acting of the character played by Paul Giamatti was unexpected, exciting and deserves a best supporting actor award without question. Russell is as expected magnetic and perfect for this role. He and Paul together are dynamite.
Ron Howard added at least one special effect that was subtle but shot through in a poignant moment to enhance the narrative in a surprising and wonderful way. Howard holds the film to a realist, tight narrative that doesn't overplay a card and especially not in moments that you would most expect him to. But he also lets the film breathe, thus allowing for a film over 2 hours, which I generally resent, feeling the length is more about flexing a director's ego with floppy biceps (and lazying, indulgent editing). But with Howard I did not squirm and place him on a red flag list, because egomaniacal driven, lazy editing is not the reason and it doesn't feel even once that is why it is longer than the usual 90 minutes. He wants to cover the full spectrum of this story and it's an enjoyable journey with him-with a treasure like this I am glad he went with his instincts.
Howard lets the emotion of the piece drive its own in the viewer, as opposed to the force feeding that one gets so much of these days from Hollywood; Howard wowed and surprised me with this directorial decision, so rarely risked these days. I believe the breathing room he gives the audience will pay off generously for him though and add to the list director instincts that will signal him more and more over time as the great artist that he is and will probably not be noticed for until long after his time.
This movie is a great inspiration to anyone. If you have ever felt as though you needed renewed faith in yourself or even just in the story tellers of our time go see this film. This is a movie for men and women a like. This is going to be a word of mouth film for sure!