Cinderella Man

"Cinderella Man" is the first movie of 2005 to have multiple Oscar nominations written all over it thanks to a compelling script that’s expertly acted and directed. Russell Crowe brings his estimable talents to bear as a depression era family man and boxer (Jim Braddock) who keeps his priorities straight in the face of unrelenting social turmoil. Renee Zellweger rises to the acting challenge opposite Crowe as Jim’s loyal wife Mae who provides a stable if worried guardian of familial well being. But it’s Paul Giamatti who glues the story together as Jim’s commendable boxing manager Joe Gould who guides his accomplished boxer through every fight. Ron Howard expertly utilizes the music of silence to underscore the deeply felt movie based on real-life boxing underdog James J. Braddock. The boxing sequences here are better than those of Martin Scorsese’s bar-setting "Raging Bull."

Rated PG-13. 144 mins. (A) (Five Stars)