Chris & Naomi Hathaway Home

9.3/10

I have a theory... if you want to make a great film with sports, but you don't want the sport to be the focus, make a boxing movie. Boxing has been the backdrop for some of the greatest films ever created: On the Waterfront, Million Dollar Baby, Rocky (okay, maybe I'm pushing it). Why? I'm glad you asked. First, it's a personal game. According to boxing movies, how you perform in the ring is a direct correlation as your success as a character. There are no leagues, few rules, and a lot of wheelins and dealins. Second, there is an enormous resevoir of movie metaphors to draw from; with a flick of a wrist, you've got yourself a David and Goliath story that will tug away at anyone's heart strings.

Ron Howard obviously figured this out, and fortunately, he cares about his movies and made sure to put real heart into Cinderella Man, placing it among the timeless greats. Acting? Amazing. Crowe and Zellweger produce a now expected Oscar-caliber performance, and look for a stunning job from Paul Giamatti as Braddock's manager, with a mouth so smooth they have to point it out in the movie. Story? Great. So what if its a bit predictable, you still get so caught up in it that you can't afford being skeptical. Visual? Music? Script? Excellent, excellent, excellent. Definitely one of the best I've seen this year, and definitely the best summer movie you'll put out money for. And, if you're still not convinced, go see it at an AMC theater; they'll refund your money if you don't like it (but don't count on not liking it).