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by Jonathan McKee Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language Directed by Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Backdraft, Parenthood,...) Starring Russell Crowe, Rene Zellweger and Paul Giamatti Jonathan's Rating: Worth Buying Sorry Rocky, you just got replaced by a far better story with better performances and more realistic fight sequences. And a true story at that. No offense to Rocky. Rocky was a great film and, one of the few good Stallone films (yes, there were at least three others). But Ron Howard really delivered with Cinderella Man. And don’t think that this is just another boxing film. No shots of Russell Crowe running along the beach pulling his trainer on a bike or lifting grain sacks in a barn. But plenty of strong performances, a compelling storyline and exceptional character development . . . real characters that you’ll fall in love with. Crowe plays the Depression-era fighter and folk hero Jim Braddock. Braddock isn’t just a boxing legend . . . he’s a hero all the way around. The Depression hit Braddock just as hard as it hit most blue collar workers in the 30’s: out of work, hungry, and a stack of bills that they couldn’t pay. Hundreds of men standing at the dock waiting for work . . . and only 5 workers needed. Most post year 2000 Americans just don’t understand what is means to be hungry. Cinderella Man paints a picture that you won’t forget. A picture that many of our children need to see. But my favorite part of this film is in the character of Jim Braddock. Five minutes into the film I forgot that I was watching Russell Crowe . . . or Maximus. I was swept into the world of Jim Braddock. And Braddock never disappoints you. It’s a sad truth . . . but in so many films I’m waiting for the lead character to have a great moral failure or loss of control. Braddock doesn’t let you down. He’s real, mind you. He’s scared. He even gets mad at God—as many might do in this situation. But even though he forgets God . . . God doesn’t forget him. This is probably Ron Howard’s best film. And that’s saying a lot, since his Cocoon, Parenthood, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind . . . and yes, even The Grinch are among my favorites. But teamed up with Russell Crowe, Rene Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti . . . Cinderella Man delivers! Should Kids See it? An enthusiastic yes! Don't let the PG-13 fool ya! Although it might be a little above the heads of young children, it’s a message that tweens and teens should see. My 7, 9 and 12 year old will be seeing it with our family. And there’s nothing objectionable in the film other than boxing violence and a trainer who loves to yell out the name of Jesus and His every relative. (“Jesus, Mary and Joseph . . .”) Oscar Watch Watch . . . Cinderella Man will be a strong contender for Best Picture this year! (If the Academy will allow two boxing films to win back to back?) |
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