Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is one of Ron Howard's best films, Cinderella Man is the true story of boxer Jim Braddock. Crowe is excellent as usual in the title role, as are Paul Giamatti and the underrated Paddy Considine. The film certainly looks good and is well done technically in general. However, I feel that Renee Zellweger ruins every scene she is in. It is a truly horrible performance. If it wasn't for her, this movie would be much better. I might even want to see it again. Considering her work, I do not, and therefore cannot truly recommend the film. However, if you can stomach her, Crow, Giamatti and Considine are certainly worth watching. Good points are the acting by Russell Crowe, Paddy Considine and Paul Giamatti and the Cinematography

Cinderella Man is just brilliant! Good values, good morals. A married couple with a strong family that stick together no matter what is what people need to see today. Touching and Inspiring. My best ever movie!

Cinderella Man for me is the Film of the year and deserves massive success at next years Oscars, it isn't your common or garden blockbuster and it wont appeal to everyone who sees the trailer but I promise you go to see this film while it is still showing at your cinema and you will not be disappointed. I didn't see many adverts for this film and I think it is relying on word of mouth which is one of the reasons I am writing this review. The other reviewer explained the plot well, I recommend you give Hanks review a read so I wont go over the plot again.

Russel Crowe is fantastic in the lead role, I actually enjoyed Rene Zellweger in the role of Braddocks wife (which is testament to how good the film is as normally to put it lightly I'm not a fan) and Braddocks corner-man and friend played by Paul Giamatti is terrific - everything he says makes you smile and his lines during the fight scenes just draw you into the action more and more. The film highlights the suffering that went on during the depression and this is a film where you really care for the characters and their lives - to be honest I have never felt more 'involved' in a film than when I watched this. The fight scenes are choreographed to perfection - every punch hurts and every dodge and block makes you flinch in your seat - by the end of the film I guarantee you will be willing Braddock on.

This film deserves to be a huge success and it is a shame that more people haven't seen it - go and watch this film and if you like it be sure to tell everyone you know.

After being disappointed with many of the big films this summer, the past month has restored my faith in movies after watching the awesome Cinderella Man as well Crash which was also excellent.

Cinderella Man is the true story of Depression Era boxer James J. Braddock who proved to be an inspiration to millions through one of the most amazing comeback tales in the sport's history. Russell Crowe plays the lead role of Braddock and puts in a moving performance and physically amazing performance as Braddock. Braddock is a devoted family man who at the beginning of the film has it all - nice house, car and a glittering in-ring career. All of this evaporates before his eyes though as his good luck turns sour due to a combination of the American Depression and recurring injuries. It is from here where we see Braddock and his wife Mae (Renee Zelwegger) at their lowest point, as their children go hungry due to them not being able to pay the bills. It even gets to the point where the once proud slugger is forced to beg for money from his former paymasters at the Boxing Board of Control.

The film really gets going when the comeback story starts to take shape when his old corner man Joe Gould, the outstanding Paul Giamatti, manages to get Braddock one last farewell match at Madison Square Garden. Braddock is supposed to be a whipping boy for a top contender, however nobody had quite counted on the heart of the Irish American....

I won't divulge any more plot details as I don't want to spoil this good old fashioned film for anyone, which is as much about relationships and desperation as it is about pugilism. The main players are all brilliant, Russell Crowe is commanding and sensitive as Braddock and is well supported by Zellweger, the wife who never stops worrying about her husbands deadly trade. Giamatti follows up his quirky turn in Sideways with another knock-out showing as Braddock's manger/cornerman/best friend Joe Gould, excelling in trash talking and enthusiasm that can't help but rub off on the audience.

This film will score no points for orinigality, but when a film is this good, who cares??