The fight scenes have a stinging authenticity and, although at 144 minutes it outstays its welcome, this is Howard’s best film since Apollo 13
Cinderella Man (2005)
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill
Screenwriter: Ron Howard, Akiva Goldsman, Cliff Hollingsworth
Producer: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Penny Marshall, Todd Hallowell
Composer: Thomas Newman
DVD Info
Release:
Aug 8, 2006
HD-DVD Features:
- Red HD Case
- Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
- Dolby Digital Surround Sound Plus 5.1 - English, French, Spanish
- Subtitles - English SDH, French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
- Commentaries - 1. Ron Howard - Director
- 2. Akiva Goldsman - Screenwriter
- 3. Cliff Hollingsworth - Screenwriter
- 4. Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Ron Howard
- Featurettes - 1. "Pre-Fight Preparations"
- 2. "Lights, Camera, Action: The Fight From Every Angle"
- 3. "Braddock vs. Baer Fight Footage"
- 4. "The Sound of the Bell"
- 5. "Cinderella Man Music Featurette"
- 6. "Russell Crowe's Personal Journey: Becoming Jim Braddock"
- 7. "The Fight Card: Casting CINDERELLA MAN"
- 8. "The Man, The Movie, The Legend: A Filmmaking Journey"
- 9. "For the Record: A History in Boxing"
- 10. "Ringside Seats"
- 11. "Jim Braddock: The Friends & Family Behind the Legend"
- 12. "The Human Face of Depression"
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Photo Montage
Reviews
It's Seabiscuit with fists. Enjoyable, well-made, heartwarming Best Picture fodder that overcomes its achingly predictable story thanks to Oscar-worthy performances from Crowe and Giamatti.
Crowe is at his best in the ring and while it's hardly surprising that he's a convincing bruiser, he also manages to make a rather one-note character compelling.
The events are strong enough to keep us gripped, even though the writing and direction are flat and bland.
A cross between Seabiscuit (because of the Depression) and Rocky (because of the sport), yet a fine enough film to stand on its own, even if the production falls short of both in terms of its emotional punch.
And as far as Cinderella's pumpkins go, though the movie ends with Braddock's boxing triumph in Hollywood's notorious freeze-frame approach to history, both Braddock and Baer went on to be decked by Joe Louis.
At moments it almost had me, but for the most part I just felt cold and watched with all the interest of a disgruntled spectator.
A fine alternative to the louder and more brainless summer movies competing with it -- an excellent drama that relies on heart and action instead of schmaltz and melodrama.
Howard may have replicated the family scenes as accurately as if he'd found film from a camera hidden in the walls of the original Braddock apartment, and yet the movie can't shake the sense that the scenes away from the boxing ring are somehow false
The film wallows in the poverty and degradation of Crowe and his family, which is a real downer for a supposed feel-good movie . . .
Stirring and inspirational in the best and worst senses of these terms, this fact-based melodram is stamped by the populist and middlebrow sensibility of both director Ron Howard and writer Akiva Goldsman.
I only wish Howard could have shaped this and the other performances a little, toning them down or leaving a bit of a rough edge.
I have never rooted for a sporting event in my life like I rooted for Braddock. I was on the edge of my couch, balled fists on my knees, praying he would prevail...superbly edited, beautifully shot, sensitively acted, and with fantastic grit and texture
It is an amazing story brought to life by gifted people and it will make you feel good without making you feel guilty for doing so.
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