A Cinderella Story without the Glass Shoes

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2007)

From acclaimed director Ron Howard comes the mesmerizing and tantalizing Cinderella Man starring Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. Crowe plays James J. Braddock, a boxer in the 1920s who lost nearly everything he had in the great stock market crash. After his finances diminish, the boxer hits a losing streak and when all hope is lost, a sudden surge of luck comes to the noble James.
When it comes to Crowe, he turns in one amazing performance after another. With previous nominated and awarded works in The Insider, Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, Crowe still doesn't fail to impress the viewer. The vulnerability that Crowe lacks often in his tough guy roles is more evident than ever. It's his demeanor, dedication and well written character by Cliff Collingsworth and Akiva Goldsman that makes the film work so well.
Zellweger, who plays Mae Braddock, the supportive wife of James gives a quite dull and mediocre performance. Zellweger who has been a top talent for the past ten years is suffering from over-exposure and not being able to bring new things to her roles she chooses. Bridget Jones' Diary, Chicago, Cold Mountain, we've seen it all yet she still lands these well written roles which could be home run hit for many other talented actresses.
The entire cast of the film is quite superb; Craig Bierko as Max Baer, the reigning champion that Braddock must dare face. Bierko has a great screen presence that draws the viewer to him. A quality possessed by veteran actors Robert Duvall and Anthony Hopkins and newcomers Clive Owen and Ryan Gosling.
The revelation of the picture is from the Oscar snubbed actor for Sideways, Paul Giamatti. Playing Joe Gould, James' boxing trainer could be a very cliché role for any performer taking it yet Giamatti elevates the role and material. Joe's charisma, laughter and beautiful soul captures the audience first frame of his presence. Giamatti might be one of the finest actors underused in every way. We wait to see what his future could possibly hold.
Director Ron Howard has a beautiful style of film-making but for some reason, he doesn't always seem to peak out of his films like Spielberg, Coppola, or Eastwood. Howard has a tough time with it and you seem to feel that it's the actors that do the grunt of the work. I'm not sure if that's a bunch of crap I'm talking but its just something I feel about Howard.
The cinematography and film editing are definitely that standout technical aspects of the film. Add that with Thomas Newman's score and you have a visually stunning piece of cinema. An enjoyable time of Crowe boxing around indeed.
Grade: ***½/****