Cinderella Man 2005

During the Great Depression a commonman hero James J. Braddocka.k.a. the Cinderella Manwas to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. By the early 1930s the impoverished exprizefighter was seemingly as brokendown beatenup and outofluck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom. His career appeared to be finished he was unable to pay the bills the only thing that mattered to himhis familywas in danger and he was even forced to go on Public Relief. But deep inside Jim Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love honor and an incredible dose of grit he willed an impossible dream to come true. In a lastchance bid to help his family Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock fueled by something beyond mere competition kept winning. Suddenly the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised on his shoulders ...

Review

Geez another boxing movie! Yeah Yeah I know the story. Down and out guy gets a break and makes the most of it. Hes fighting for his family hes fighting for all those other hopeless people. Been there done that.

Oh I forgot to mention one thing. This movie is about the best 140 minute Ive spent in a movie theater since . . . . since . . . . Oh well you get the picture. Better yet instead of getting the picture go see it.

Russell Crowe owns the character of James Braddock the unlikely hero who makes the most of his second chance. Hes a good fighter turned hack. Injury bad luck and this thing called the Depression sends him down the drain.

His wife Mae played by Renee Zelleweger wants to be his biggest fan but the kids need a dad the rent has to get paid and the money from boxing dried up along time ago. Her husbands courage is undoubted but his nerve is killing her.

And then theres Joe Gould played by Paul Giamatti.

A boxer by the name of George Cochan once told me his manager was the bravest man he ever knew he was willing to pit his man (Cochan) against anyone. As a result Cochan had his head handed to him multiple times by the likes of Jake LaMotta and other class middle weights of the Forties and Fifties. Gould is that brave manager if not literally in spirit. He pits Braddock out of shape and with one day notice against the number two heavy weight contender. Regardless of the risk its a pay day needed by both Gould and Braddock.

The story while familiar is executed brilliantly. The camera work is both subtle and in turn spectacular. Craig Bierko Paddy Considine Bruce McGill and the rest of the cast give flawless performances.

Yes been there done that! And Im ready to do it again for anyone who wants to go with me.