CINDERELLA MAN

Universal Pictures Presents

Release Date: December 6th 2005

MSRP Price: $29.98 (estimated price)
Amazon Price: $17.98
Costco Price: $18.99
Sam's Club: $18.99
Wallmart: $17.99

Format: 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen - Dual Layer
Run Time: 145 minutes
Number of Discs -  1
Sound - Dolby Digital 5.1 
From: MCA Home Video

Cinderella Man Rating: "A" 
Packaging:  B
Content:   A
Video:   A
Audio:   A
Performances:   A
Extras:  A
Overall:   A

STARS: Russell Crowe, Paul Giamatti, Renee Zellweger, Craig Blerko, Paddy Considine 

It's no surprise that Ron Howard can direct a great film. I don't think that was ever in question. With such dramatic films as Cocoon and Apollo 13 in his waistband the man can definitely turn his competition into a dramatic wasteland. This is by far Ron Howards best film. It's a given that if you sign Russell Crowe (Master & Commander & Gladiator) to a picture deal you will get that quality performance. The general problem in Hollywood today is actually getting a decent script with dialogue beyond that of a fourth grader. 

All the hype before and during the films cycle through the box office was how great this boxing film was. As I sat in front of my new 32 inch LCD riveted to the screen I was flabbergasted that any moron could call this film a boxing movie. The boxing scenes were incredible beyond any doubt, but Cinderella Man was not about boxing. The film was about a man, who lost everything, fighting just to keep his family together. A man giving up his pride and dignity just to keep the heat on in a dingy apartment. Boxing is what he did to live, not what the film was about. 

Cinderella Man is a dramatic roller coast ride loaded with tear jerking moments, some action in the ring and performances that will leave you in awe. 

Russell Crowe is the best male actor in the feature film business today. His performance as James J. Braddock is indeed one of his best. Consider that with his performances in Gladiator, Master & Commander and A Beautiful Mind. Crowe is a rare actor, one willing to change his appearance, wear some prosthetics or shave his head to become the persona he will portray. Every part of his being is melded into what you see on the screen. It's memorable, it's mesmerizing and yeah, it's just flat out fucking incredible. We are void of main stream actors today that can lay down a performance where you actually see the character and not the actor playing the part. Russell Crowe is that kind of rare breed. Don't bother to say it. I am no Russell Crowe bible thumper, nor do I  hang out at his websites or worship the man himself. But I know a great artist when I happen to see one. The only ding in Russell Crowe's armor is that he will only do about one movie per year. 

The best performance in Cinderella Man however comes from the supporting role played by mild-mannered Paul Giamatti. In the film he plays Braddock's trainer and friend Joe Gould. Giamatti mixes a powerful package of compassion and humor in a role that should earn him an Oscar. The fiery scene inside the ring when Gould goes after Baer between rounds is absolutely priceless. His performance pulls the entire film together bridging the gap between Braddock's family problems and his return to the action in the ring. 

Renee Zellweger is sort of lost in the list of players. She plays Braddock's wife Mea and the backbone of the Braddock family. She supports her husband despite a hidden desire that he never step into the ring again. Zellweger is a wonderful actress and brings a special charisma to the role but her performance is overshadowed by the great Giamatti and Russell Crowe. 

Ron Howard has put together the best film of his career with a great script from writers Akiva Goldsmith & Cliff Hollingsworth. It's a exceptional time when fans are treated to a timepiece this perfect. 

PACKAGING 
The packaging is nice. There's nothing spectacular about Universal's design that really captures the eye. It's a basic design that should have been much better for this film. They use the standard plastic single DVD flip case. Perhaps if Ron Howard does a special edition or director's cut the box art will be better. 

VIDEO: 
The video looks wonderful. The blacks are dark and the colors are vibrant with minimal dirt and debris. My copy of the disc is not what will be released on the 6th of December. It will be much better. 

AUDIO: 
The audio transfer sounds good. But once again what you get in the official release will be much better. The 5.1 will again be wasted on the dramatic films, but the production sounds awesome.

BONUS FEATURES: 
The film is stuffed with some nice extras. My Universal set included some extras that are not included on this DVD release. The included material is very nice and the commentaries and making of feature must be watched. 

• Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Feature Commentary with Director Ron Howard; Feature Commentary with Writer Akiva Goldsman; Feature Commentary with Writer Cliff Hollingsworth
• Deleted Scenes with (On/Off) Commentary by Director Ron Howard
• The Fight Card: Casting Cinderella Man
• The Man, The Movie, The Legend: A Filmmaking Journey
• For the Record: A History in Boxing
• Ringside Seats
• Jim Braddock: The Friends & Family Behind The Legend
• Kodak Partner Spot
• DVD ROM

SUMMARY: 
Cinderella Man is a complete film. For a movie mogul it doesn't get any better. It isn't often that we are treated to a wonderful script with great dialogue, an all-star cast, filmograhy right out of a history book and an overall performance that will keep you glued to the screen. 

This is a must by film for all fans. 

Cinderella Man Overall Rating:  "A"

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