Cinderella Man An Excellent Movie Based On A True Story

Rating: 8/10 (28 June 2009)

Cinderella Man is an excellent movie based on a true story with equally impressive performances by Russell Crowe, Renee Zellwegger, and Paul Giamatti. Director Ron Howard is admirable in making this movie continuing to show his talent as filmmaker despite it's flaws. Howard has shown again and again his skill as a director and this film is no different. Russell Crowe turns in a great as Jim Braddock a supposedly washed up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s. Renee Zellwegger is just as good as his wife Mae but she isn't given much to do. Zellwegger is solid in the role none the less. Paul Giamatti is equally impressive as Braddock's manager and best friend Joe Gould. The rest of the cast including Craig Bierko, Paddy Considine, Bruce McGill, and Rosemarie DeWitt are effective as the supporting characters in their limited screen time. The intense boxing sequences are well executed and you find yourself cheering for Crowe's character whenever he steps into that ring. The pacing was slow at times but the effort put in by the director and the lead actors make up for the films few flaws. If you're a big fan of Howard or any of the actors than chances are you'll enjoy this one too. Overall Cinderella Man was better than expected with an inspiring true story, characters we come to care about, drama, intense realistic boxing action, and exceptional performances by the cast (especially Crowe and Giamatti) who make this movie worth the time to watch.