Genres

Visitors Review

ho-t 2012-05-16 22:35:42

10/10 -- One of those movies you can't stop thinking about afterwards

It's been two days since I watched Cinderella Man, and I still can'tstop thinking about it. It's one of those movies you can't stopthinking about afterwards -- one of those movies you HAVE to go seeagain. Well, that's what I'm going to go do tomorrow.This film is just incredibly well done. I have been a big movie fan fora long time, and I have finally found a new favourite. The entire filmplays the entire spectrum of human emotions masterfully -- It tugs atyour heartstrings. Now, this is not to say that this is a dull movie;all the action sequences (i.e. boxing) are very, very well done andleave you holding your breath time after time. All in all, CinderellaMan is an excellently delivered masterpiece.P.S. I registered with IMDb -just- so I could give this a 10.

2012-05-16 11:46:19

A truly moving film

This review is from: Cinderella Man (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) I watched "Cinderella Man" for the first time with my mother on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. We both loved it. It's a truly moving film that was just right for that special day. It's the true story of legendary boxer James J. Braddock (played by Russell Crowe) and his boxing career during the Depression when unemployment was over 30%. It's about true love, mutual understanding and friendship. Russell Crowe gives a powerful performance as the loving husband and father who takes on whatever strenuous job he can get to support his family, to make a living in a time when it seems almost impossible to make ends meet. Many scenes touch on human emotions, especially the family scenes. Russell Crowe was very well prepared both physically and mentally. The boxing scenes appear absolutely realistic. Paul Giamatti as the boxing manager is exceptional. His facial expressions are amazing. Renee Zellwegger as the adoring wife is also very well chosen. Even if you know the outcome, there is still suspense. There is rich dialogue and some humor. Hopefully there will be an extended version of Cinderella Man with all the deleted scenes added. The bonus material on both DVDs is very informative and reveals some interesting details on the making of the film.

Oslo Jargo 2012-05-06 18:55:42

Ron Howard's "opium inducing Hollywood"

Ron Howard's apologia to the capitalists and greed merchants whobankrupted the economy of the world in the 1930's borders onsanctimonious state sanctioned propaganda, made by an inept puppeteerof emotions. Produced merely to make train loads of money and sold tomeandering and lost U.S. audiences, who humbly crave a place in theworld and a pain numbing drug (feel good cinema), ensnarled both bytheir love of sugar and savvy chic theater appeal, while theirenthusiastic leaders wage war in foreign soils, this is the continuedattempt of Hollywood to enter once again the politics of the "I".Using the theme of "courageous moral values" (much like today'sincompetent charismatic leaders), which time and time again issequestered by those in power to move the humble masses intoideological behavior patterns, Howard crafts a narrow look into thelife of a street bruiser, whose lack of foresight and intelligence,makes him both gullible and 'proud', a trait possessed by most of thelower class, to their detriment.Absolutely devoid of any human interest or articulation, this film ispure rubbish, created by an "opium inducing Hollywood" to forget that"times are hard" and that by the lie which they force feed to themasses, "sheer determination and hard work", they'll all be better.Well, that is hardly reality, and neither is this film, it borders onliquid loads of sentimentality, showing starving families and kids whocrave a better life, hungering for the "American dream" just around theblock, which itself is a fictitious and disastrous lie. Instead ofproperly showing the man as he is, an exploited and misguided boxerwithout an IQ or class consciousness, subjugated day one fromindoctrination in an industrial-capitalist world, a mere casualty of anoppressed class, Howard surges him to the role of a saint for the poorand downtrodden. He pays off his 'welfare' because he's so ashamed tobe on it, he gives apples to blind kids and he kisses his wife atnight, oh what loyalty to authority! Well, inject sugar into my veins,I can overcome my own poverty if I merely get into a ring to have mybrains splattered by greedy ring promoters and homicidal boxers. Thischildish disposition to which Howard indulges us to drink, is nothingbut empty and stale air. Howard makes Braddock into a wooden man,invulnerable at all to our own failings, and therefore, inhuman,without fault.Cartoon-like episodes are neither vivid nor distinct, and by the end ofthis film, we feel like we have watched another worthless re-packagingof the same indeposable values that the U.S. seems to reap upon theunaware, blind, obedient masses. Instead of actually reading importantbooks, a trait which is entirely forgotten by U.S. audiences, they want"feel good portions" heaped upon them.This film drips with the adoration of petty values espoused by theelite classes while they themselves eat well and are mired in their ownhypocrisy. Please, some audience members are not stupid, but most are,and they will praise this unworthy film, along with others, as thesplendid creation of an artist touched by his evocation of the pastwhich he has created.

LilQTBritt26 2012-05-06 11:44:53

One of the best

I have been a boxing fan for years now. Rocky (one through 4 anyway) ispart of my movie collection. I love it. This movie surpasses everythingI thought a boxing movie could. It showed everything incorporated inboxing. Most of all the drive. Russle Crowe was absolutely amazing. Oneof the best I have ever seen, by far. This movie was not just a boxingmovie....I laughed....I cried. I did everything you should in a goodmovie in general. But, when you include boxing in that list it makes itmore than just a movie....it was enchanting. There are just not enoughwords to describe the emotion felt scene after scene. You personallysaw a piece of yourself in that boxer. The hardships he faced in hislife......everyone has had bad times. And those kids.....they weresoooooo good. It was like looking at real life...not just acting.Phenomenal....absolutely phenomenal.

thomascapital 2012-05-05 13:45:52

An excellent film that recalls the hardships that most Americans...

The reality of the film is the best feature. For those of us that aretoo young to have lived through the depression (my parents did), it ishard to relate to the sheer enormity of the economic collapse thatoccurred from 1929 through 1936/7. Especially in light of the greatcountry that we have become: EVERYONE has color TV's, and even thoseliving below the poverty line, have it far better than the poor andeven middle class of the 1930's.Crowe provides a very credible boxer of yester-year and Rene Z issimply perfect! Paul G is his typical excellent as a main supportingcharacter, you really take a strong liking to him, as he believes inhis friend, Braddock.The only criticism is that the movie editing lingers a bit too much onthe fear that Mrs. Braddock displays. No, I am not into the gore, butthe movie was about very tough times and how one man survived the GreatDepression and survived some very brutal fights, more than 100 in hislifetime. The average Heavy Weight boxer today will have less than 25fights in his career and less than 10 fights after he takes the title.Go see the film, as it is worth the full price admission. We plan onpurchasing the DVD once it becomes available.Good film watching!

Robin Clifford 2012-05-05 03:35:13

...for the more mature audience that would rather a good story than copious F/X, "Cinderella Man" will fill that particular bill.

Sean Means 2012-05-03 14:46:26

An exquisitely crafted, stately drama ... that never surprises, never takes risks, never delivers beyond expectations.

Stephen Whitty 2012-05-02 21:47:01

Like its hero, it stubbornly gets the job done.

Paul Greenwood 2012-05-02 10:50:22

Slick and rousing entertainment it may be, but Cinderella Man is far from great cinema.

2012-05-02 02:16:48

GETS MY VOTE AS BEST FLICK OF 2005

CINDERELLA MAN is a rousing, inspirational, true story of Irish Jimmy Braddock, boxer and dock worker. Set during the early years of the Depression, Braddock (Russell Crowe) struggles to keep his family warm and fed and together while fighting for $50 a match and working as a dock hand loading ships. This film has that same feel-good aspect about it that SEABISCUIT does. What is amazing is that in 2005, a year berift of hardly any good movies, CINDERELLA MAN wasn't nominated for best film. Of the films that were nominated, I have seen CRASH but have only read about the others. CRASH is a well-made but depressing movie that puts a negative spin on race relations in the US. CINDERELLA MAN, on the other hand, extolls such values as family, hard work and reluctance to take a handout from the government. It is basically the story of what anyone can do who believes in himself or herself in this country and who is willing to work hard enough and sacrifice. Maybe this message was not negative enough for Oscar voters but it gets my vote as best picture of the year. The fight scenes are brilliantly directed by Ron Howard and Crowe and Rene Zellweger as his wife, Mae, give appropriately low-key performances of folks trying to manage in hard times, but Paul Giamatti (SIDEWAYS) steals the show as Braddock's fight agent and he deserved Best Supporting Actor for his work in this film. CINDERELLA MAN is a good family picture with a good family message and -- it really happened.

finta01 2012-04-30 14:19:50

A hero's story told to a new generation

America was a grim and desperate country during The Great Depression,but James Braddock (Russell Crowe) was one of the few bright spots inthis true story about a down and out boxer who rose from the ashes tobecome the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Ron Howard's "CinderellaMan" is an inspirational tale which shows how brutal and challenginglife can be at times, yet people can survive and prosper while facinginsurmountable odds when given the opportunity.With his loving wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) and children freezing andstarving at home this fighter turned dockworker will do anything tochange his family's fortunes. Opportunity knocks as Braddock's longtimetrainer (Paul Giamatti) offers one last fight for the retired boxer.This man has nothing left to lose and everything to gain as he takeshold of his re-found career, surprising every contender with hisunstoppable will. The fight scenes pull you in the ring with palmsweating action so close I found myself ducking in my seat.Ron Howard's vivid re-creation of The Great Depression era, with breadlines, Hoovervilles, and humiliating welfare trips brilliantly displayslife in the late 1920's and 30's. The costume design including hand medown rags and authentic settings with children playing in broken downModel T's really give the viewers a chance to see what life was like inthese dark times.While the underdog theme in this film is similar to "Rocky", that iswhere the comparisons should end as this story actually happened andCrowe's performance is a notch or two above Sylvester Stallone's.If ever there was a need for a real hero for the American people torally around then this was the time. Ron Howard's character developmentis endearing to all as everyone can relate to this workingman's fighterwho has lived the struggle. The Max Baer character, womanizing,arrogant, and spoiled is a nice contrast to Crowe's hungry (literallyand figuratively), loving, and honest depiction. James Braddocksurvived anything the Great Depression could throw at him with braveryand dignity, and came out on top.

2012-04-30 03:38:54

WOW - Excellent!

A cinematic delight that hails back to a time when movies treat to watch. Russel Crowe did a marvelous job portraying legendary boxer James Braddock. The real performance though in my opinion came from Paul Giamatti as his friend and manager. It is another movie from Ron Howard so you know it is directed masterfully. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and really appreciate all you have. Don't miss this one!

Drew-Barrymore-Obsessed 2012-04-28 14:31:54

Plain Old Boxing Movie.

This is just your average boxing movie. It isn't the best i have everseen but hey it was okay. Rob Crowe was okay but Renee Zelwegger washorrible. I thought she was odd and it ruined this movie. It was justokay because it didn't have things most boxing movies did it was hardto sit through cause it was boring and strange. It was a five outta tenbecause it was a tad odd on some levels but hey I still enjoyedwatching it. I think that it was good but not great and I think thatother people could have got better cast memebers though. I thought thatit was okay once again and it was worth the whole ticket price andother things.

rosscinema 2012-04-27 21:07:09

Braddock's underdog story receives good treatment by Howard

Studios have made more than their share of films dealing with the sportof boxing with arguably the best being "Fat City", "Rocky", "MillionDollar Baby", "The Set-Up", and "Somebody Up There Likes Me" and theyeach bring their own special twist to the genre but while I'm notconvinced that this film is as good as those it's still an incrediblywell made effort that deserves to be mentioned along side them. This isthe true story of the Depression era boxer Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe)who struggled like millions of others to put food on the table for hisfamily and tries to make money by working shifts at the docks inHoboken, New Jersey. Braddock started his boxing career pretty well butonce the crash hit he and his family were reduced to living in squalorwith no heat and very little to eat.*****SPOILER ALERT***** Braddock is also unable to get a fight afterbreaking his right hand numerous times and even has his license revokedby the commission after sub-par efforts. Braddock is supported greatlyby his devoted wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) who would do anything for herhusband except watch or listen to one of his fights. One day out of theblue his manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti) gets him a big fight at theGarden with a ranked contender and surprises everyone by winning it!This leads to more important bouts with good fighters which he alsowins and it leads to a title shot with the champ Max Baer (CraigBierko) who is responsible for the deaths of two of his opponents.Director Ron Howard is technically as good as any filmmaker workingtoday but his vulnerability is that his films can cross the line intosappiness and become emotionally obvious but here I think it works tohis (and our) advantage because he taps into the brave and honeststruggles of a working class hero. Braddock wasn't exactly acomplicated man but his career as a boxer went up and down and up againwith everything that takes place in the middle helping to showaudiences what he was made of in terms of being a man and a father.Crowe in real life can be a rugged character but one of his bestvirtues as an actor is that he can show tremendous passion andtenderness in his performances and this quality has always reminded meof Burt Lancaster who was extremely manly and thoughtful at the sametime. Being a boxing fan myself my main complaint in the story is theportrayal of Max Baer who is shown as a real brute but in real life hewas really nothing like that but my guess is that Howard really wantedaudiences to have a strong reason to root for Braddock's success notjust in terms of earning money but to try and not get killed! Giamattican credit his performance to the great boxing trainer Angelo Dundee(who appears in the film) and his speeches during the film are designedto inspire Braddock and help make him rise above the odds and he'sbelievable in the role as he shows both tenacity for his profession andthe personal sacrifices he makes to help his boxer and friend. Manyhave said that this is Howard's best film to date but I think that'scompletely false when you think of previous efforts like "Apollo 13"and "A Beautiful Mind" but make no bones about it, this is a well madeand acted film that does the correct thing by just being (for the mostpart) honest in it's portrayal.

info-5019 2012-04-25 06:11:28

Even if you don't like Russell C. GO SEE THIS MOVIE

I would just like to say, that if you only knew who I was, if you onlyknew how critical I am of movies, you'd know that my giving this moviea perfect rating is unheard of. I've never given a movie a perfectrating.This is the finest movie I have ever seen. Absolutely perfect in everyway.I never liked Russell Crowe, and had to force myself to go and see thismovie. I absolutely loved him in this role.He was perfect. As was Paul Giamatti and everyone else. I absolutelyloved this movie and will cherish it forever.

joshtheoscarking 2012-04-24 11:43:18

An astounding, inspiring film from Russell Crowe!

Chris Rock actually said it best during his opening monologue 3 1/2months ago at the Kodak Theatre. "If you're doing a movie about thepast, you bet's to get Russell's ass." When I left the sneak preview screening on Sunday afternoon, myexpectations were not just met, they where exceeded and then some. I'mashamed now for doubting this film at all, and I did. The cast lookedtoo perfect, the trailer too manufactured to win Oscars and a crew andtech team to die for. It looked too good to be true. Well, it IS thatgood. Cinderella MAN is hands down the best film I have seen in 4years. And in the theatre today, I was not alone in that thought. Theentire packed theatre could be seen to be sniffing and wiping awaytears at multiple points in the film, cheering and clapping forBraddock all the way and on the absolute edge of their seat for theentire final fight. I knew how is was going to end, and I my heart feltlike it was going to have an attack. The guy next to me was dodging thepunches with Crowe. The film is that good.The entire cast gives great performances all around and there aredefinitely noms heading towards Zellweger and Giamatti. Paul G., forthat matter has a real shot at the win, and right now hes easily thefront runner, helped by being snubbed for his turn as Miles last yearin the wine-road-trip flick SIDEWAYS. Can the Academy give BestSupporting Actor to boxing trainers two years in a row? It isdefinitely possible. Especially if Giamatti can ride the wave ofCinderella MAN love which I guarantee will be rejuvenated by a timelyDecember DVD release and maybe even a return to the theatres. Butultimately, like every film he's in, this picture is about RussellCrowe. What more can you say about an actor you goes from bad cop togladiator, schizophrenic math genius to 19th-century ship captain, andthen to a real-life boxer from 1930's New Jersey? What can you say?Possibly Oscar number two. Russell Crowe commands the film from startto finish and you can't help but notice that his marriage and new sonhave really loosened him up and actually probably helped him get intothis role, a character you can't help but love and cheer for.The sets, cinematography and costumes are all Oscar worthy and willmost likely land nominations. And Thomas Newman has a nomination in thebag and a huge shot at the win hes been depraved of for like the last10 years. Newman's win for Best Score is extremely probable even ifCinderella MAN fails to win Best Picture or anything else come thisMarch. He'll probably receive the win as a consolation prize if CMdoesn't land anything else a la FINDING NEVERLAND this year. And thelighting for the film is so rich and the best work I've seen since thefirst couple of seasons of The West Wing.My only complaint about the film is that Craig Beirko's Max Baer, the"villian" of the flick who actually really did kill two men in the ringin the 1930's was at times, a little over-the-top in the "I'm the badguy" department. The thing is, even with him hating Braddock a littletoo much, the rest of the film is so solid that we don't really care atall.Russell Crowe's second Oscar (which he really should have won in 2001for ABM) is not a given -- nor is Cinderella MAN winning Best Picturecome March 3rd. There are a number of hurdles. For one, it has to keepbuzz and be remembered in awards season. And two, it has to generate arespectable box-office. However, people who see this movie will notstay quiet. And Universal knows this. Why put out 739 sneak peaks onSunday if you don't think people will talk about how awesome your filmis? People are going to talk. And already it has flat-out raves fromall the biggest trade papers -- Variety and The Hollywood Reporter --as well has Ebert and Roeper giving it "Two thumbs, way, WAY, up". Buzzfor this film is going to be huge and if the big applause at the end ofmy screening was any indication, this one could go all the way. It hasthe cast, it has the size, and it has a heart the size of MadisonSquare Gardens.If Steven Spielberg's VENGEANCE or Rob Marshall's MEMOIRS OF A GEISHAaren't big hits, then this is your winner for 2005's Best PictureOscar.Cheers, Joshua Lawson

jkitts 2012-04-22 20:33:02

Russell, please throw a phone at me!

I could care less about Russell Crowe's anger problem. This man is aCinderella story all by himself. He consistently reinvents himself intothis believable character that leaves you wondering how can he tophimself. Then he does. This movie was so well made that Ron Howard canthrow a phone at me also. Renée Zellweger was wonderful, very powerfulyet delicate at the same time. The unfolding of the story was hard towatch at times. I found myself seeing the 30's for the first time as afather and an adult. Wondering how I would have made the choices thatwere right. Ron Howard got in my face about what is important. Hisstory through Braddock's eyes were intense. I can't imagine standing ata gate just hoping to get picked to work so my family could eat. Nowonder Tom Brokaw called them the "Greatest Generation".

Dhawal Trivedi 2012-04-22 07:05:18

Howard + Crowe = Extreme Inspiration

Hi guys !! Wont go into much details about the plot or the technicalstuff. See it for yourself. But one thing is for sure - this movie gaveme a LIFE. It shows you that COURAGE and sheer DETERMINATION can takeyou anywhere. Some of the scenes just take your breath away and leaveyou really gasping. The boxing scenes are one of the best I've everseen(yea guys I include Raging Bull in that). OK, agreed, this moviemight not be factually/historically 100% correct. But, you know what, Igive a DAMN !!!! This movie ROCKS. Russell Crowe ROCKS. Ron HowardROCKS. Zellweger ROCKS. BRAVO BRADDOCK !!!!!!!10/10

2012-04-17 16:58:31

Its like the return of the phoenix

To me, I would consider this as a great motivational movie. Reminds me of the old saying - success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.Russell Crow has had some amazing performance in the movie - as a one time boxer literally reduced to begging and then comes back to take on a hero and wins.The movie is well directed and shot, you almost feel your adrenaline pumping as you watch Russell Crow in the fight. It is not all about fights - there are some funny dialogues in the movies + spendid performance by the boxer's coach.Its a DVD you want to have in your collection.

butinaseat 2012-04-17 12:17:37

American Cinema at its Finest

If you care in the least about American Cinema - Go see this film! Itis absolutely spectacular, and exactly the kind of thing we mustencourage Hollywood to make. A must see for all ages it's an emotionevoking story about where America has been and where it is going.Superbly balanced, It pulls at the heart-string, makes you grind yourteeth in suspense, and make you want to jump from your seat. Myaudience actually applauded this movie TWICE; once at the end and alsoduring the movie at a particularly poignant moment. Now get this: Thewomen liked it. My audience was a good mix of all ages, and after thefilm I heard a woman in her forties say "This is the first boxing movieI ever liked", another random woman answered her, "Yeah because itwasn't really about boxing". And she was right. It is a redemptionstory, one of the best ever put on screen. And it had just the rightamount of solid boxing action, again very well done. They didn't cheat.No fancy camera work of frenetic editing was used in the normal lameattempts to punch up the action. This was shot true, with smooth shots,cut at a pace that allowed you to absorb what you were seeing. No jerkycliché steady cam that makes your head hurt. It was visually perfect.And what a story! A true story. An American story. I can't remember anyfilm that so pulls the viewer in to the difficulty that so manysuffered during the great depression of the twenties. This film reallymade you feel it, without forcing it, without contrivance. Just a trulyexcellent film on all levels. I had tears in my eyes by the midpointand just couldn't make them go away. Bravo! Go see this film.