Reviews of the week

“Cinderella Man” Directed by Ron Howard
Universal Pictures

Yes, “Cinderella Man” may be another boxing movie
following the Academy Award win of “Million Dollar
Baby.” And yes, it may also be another Depression-era
underdog tale, reminiscent of “Seabiscuit.” But the
film has three elements that render it worthy of its own attention
and perhaps even its own Oscar consideration: Russell Crowe, Paul
Giamatti and director Ron Howard. “Cinderella Man”
tells the true story of James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a
down-on-his-luck boxer who, banished from the game, struggles to
support his wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) and their three children
during the Great Depression. With the help of manager Joe Gould
(Paul Giamatti), he is allowed back in the ring as a sort of
expected loser. His unlikely victories set the stage for one of the
most dramatic fights in history ““ the 1935 slugfest between
Braddock and the heavyweight champ Max Baer. Crowe gives an
undeniably electric performance. Outside the ring, Braddock is
consumed with providing food and shelter for his family, yet he
also carries this determination into the ring as well. Crowe seems
focused and determined, but he also manages to pull off an Irish
sense of humor that, oddly enough, makes Crowe an endearing figure.
But no discussion of great acting in this film would be complete
without mentioning Giamatti. His 1930s accent and swagger is
impeccable and his colorful sideline commentary infuses every
boxing scene with vibrancy. The story, while familiar, is carried
out brilliantly under Ron Howard’s direction. While boxing
movies tend to have the built-in conflict between boxers within the
ring, this film has the added struggle of survival during one of
the bleakest eras in American history. Rather than show poverty en
masse, Howard focuses on the Braddock family as a way to convey the
utter despair of the times. Although he does widen the angle to
show the Hoovervilles of Central Park, the most powerful portrayals
of the Great Depression center on the ways in which Braddock
himself attempts to scrounge up money. The sport of boxing, as
well, is a central character in the film. Howard’s lengthy
and gritty boxing scenes are cinematically stunning and definitely
not for the weak of stomach. Yet at times, the scenes can get
overly sentimental as the camera continues to cut away from the
fight to show what it is Braddock is fighting for ““ namely,
his three adorable and hunger-ridden children. Although the film
can be shamelessly sentimental at times, it uses sentimentality in
a good way. It’s the kind of film that makes the viewer feel
good while simultaneously exposing itself as a feel-good movie. The
oddest thing about the film is its timing. As a truly Hollywood
film, it has all the elements of a classic Oscar-acceptable film,
yet it’s being released at the start of summer. Whether
“Cinderella Man” will be remembered by Academy voters
next season has yet to be seen, but for now, audiences can take a
break from the shoot-’em-up action flicks and enjoy a
historical drama with genuine heart. -Emily Camastra