"Street Fighting 'Man'"
by Scott Mantz

"Cinderella Man"
Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger
Directed by Ron Howard

Meet the press!  Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti beat the odds in "Cinderella Man"

Who would have thought that the actor formerly known as “Richie” Cunningham would eventually grow up to be one of the most critically acclaimed and successful directors of our time?  I am, of course, referring to Ron Howard.  Ever since he left his plum role on TV’s “Happy Days” to try his hand behind the camera, he’s been on an incredible roll that – even after 4 decades – shows no signs of slowing down.

It seems only appropriate that after playing such an iconic all-American TV character, Howard’s most successful films as a director have – in one way or another – embraced various all-American values and ideals.  There’s his touching and funny look at domesticated bliss in 1989’s “Parenthood,” his account of America’s most gripping space adventure in 1995’s “Apollo 13,” and of course, the fascinating life story of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician Bruce Nash in 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind.”  Hey, let’s not forget his depiction of American capitalism at its finest in 1982’s “Night Shift” (okay, that last one may be a stretch, but you get the idea!)

But since winning 2 Oscars for “A Beautiful Mind” - one as its director and the other as a producer, shared with his longtime business partner Brian Grazer – Howard would easily have been forgiven for taking it easy and phoning in a few films.  Fortunately, that’s not the case with his latest effort.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite, as “Cinderella Man” – which re-unites Howard with his “Beautiful Mind” team of Russell Crowe and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman – is not only the best movie of the year, but it just may be Howard’s most accomplished film yet.

By the time the Great Depression tightened its grip on the country in the early 1930’s, former boxing great James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) was just like millions of other Americans – beaten, battered and broke.  His career was finished, he couldn’t pay his bills and he was dangerously close to losing his family.  Yet despite the hopelessness of the times, Braddock never gave up.  Fueled by an incredible dose of love, honor and commitment, he stepped back into the ring, rose through the ranks and beat the odds to become a symbol of hope for the rest of the country.  But more importantly, Braddock’s Cinderella story gave him the chance to pay his bills, keep his family together and restore his dignity.

Since it’s only been a few months since Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” won 4 Oscars and grossed more than $200 million worldwide, you might be asking yourself, “Do we really need another heart-tugging boxing movie so soon?”  Since “Cinderella Man” is completely different in terms of its tone and scope, the answer most definitely is “yes.”  Where Eastwood’s film was an old-fashioned, emotionally rich, but somewhat depressing drama that was based on a collection of short stories, “Cinderella Man” is a rousing, inspiring and exciting true story that combines the best elements of “Rocky” and “Seabiscuit.”  It’s sure to be a contender for a slew of awards in the acting, writing and directing categories, but its chances for Best Picture might be hurt by the fact that another boxing film just took home that Oscar.

Regardless of the timing, Howard has to be commended for structuring “Cinderella Man” much like Braddock himself – tight, lean and stocked.  Don’t let the 2 hour and 24 minute running time fool you, as it doesn’t feel nearly as long as it actually is.  The screenplay is fascinating, informative and emotionally engaging, the pace brisk and steady, and the scenes effortlessly flow into each other without feeling padded.  But more importantly, Howard spends a considerable amount of time on Braddock’s life outside of the ring and keeps the focus on the true heart of the film, which is his admirable dedication to providing for his family and keeping them together.

Every so often, an established director finds a muse – an actor that he or she constantly depends upon to portray their main characters.  Martin Scorsese had Robert De Niro (and, more recently, Leonardo DiCaprio), Quentin Tarantino has Uma Thurman, and now Ron Howard has Russell Crowe.  Sure, Crowe may be one of the most passionate actors working today (thanks to impressive roles in “The Insider,” “Gladiator” and “Master and Commander”), but he seems to dig deeper for Howard’s films and gives his characters more heart.  Between his love for his family, his humiliation at having to ask former colleagues for money and his strength in the ring, Crowe’s performance here runs a gamut of emotions and ranks among his very best.

The rest of the performances are equally superb, starting with Renee Zellweger, who continues her incredible streak of good fortune with another fabulous turn.  Not only does she have excellent chemistry with Crowe, but she also infuses a considerable amount of strength, heart and soul into a character that could otherwise have been portrayed as just another “long-suffering wife.”  Paul Giamatti delivers the finest performance of his career as trainer/manager Joe Gould, and after being snubbed for his incredible turns in 2003’s “American Splendor” and last year’s “Sideways,” you can be sure that the Motion Picture Academy won’t make that same mistake again.

The truth may be stranger than fiction, but it’s also a helluva lot more inspiring.  And when it comes to a great American story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, get under your skin and stay with you long after you leave the theater, it doesn’t get any better or more inspiring than “Cinderella Man.”  And with yet another accomplished all-American film to show for himself, I can’t wait to see what Ron Howard does next.

Back to Scott's New Movie Reviews

Review Archives