Another knockout for Howard and Crowe

Rating: 10/10 (26 June 2005)

As much as I love APOLLO 13 I have to say that this may be Ron Howard's best film yet. Cinderella MAN is that rare adult-aimed film that you can take your kids and grandmother to see (like APOLLO 13 for that matter). It is a warm and vibrant film that earns in heart-in-your-throat moments with some vivid depictions of The Great Depression and very exciting boxing scenes. I think Russell Crowe is the best actor working right now because he disappears into a role and becomes it like DeNiro did when he made films for art and not $$$. James Braddock's story is more compelling than Rocky Balboa's because his fairy tale was true. Crowe makes this uncomplicated good guy really interesting which is almost a miracle in itself. This a guy you honestly root for (forgive me Australia) and Crowe and Howard never telegraph their intentions. BUT they also have the talents of Paul Giamatti (better here than he ever has been) and Renee Zellweger in key supporting roles. And let's not forget Craig Bierko as Max Baer who makes a "bad guy" 3-D. I don't really like boxing (that b-tch Tyson still owes me $35 for that Holyfield rip-off and I hope you read this you vicious thug quitter), but now Cinderella MAN comes on the heals of MILLION DOLLAR BABY (which the Oscars got right) within a year and you gotta wonder when Don Kings dies maybe the sport can revive itself like it has on screen. (At least the filmmakers are honest.)