Cinderella Man

Grabbed the late show last night with high expectations of the new Ron Howard film, "Cinderella Man" starring Russell Crowe, Renee Zelleweger and Paul Giamatti.

Ron Howard is a superb storytelling and creates a mood from the opening scenes. He seems to understand the role of music so very well. Often when I'm watching his films I notice the music as overall part of the experience, but it doesn't distract from the story itself. I think this subtelty is what makes Ron Howard's films so good -- he understands the importance of a subtle suggestion in a look, a gesture, an accent, a note.

Russell Crowe plays "Jim Braddock", a real life depression-era story of a boxer down on his luck. It's also a love story between Jim and his wife Mae (played by Rene Zelleweger). Finally, there are other supporting roles and relationships that fill out the film making it another -- what no doubt will be - -a box office hit. Crowe has made a career out of being the guy that everyone bets against (Gladiator, Master and Commander) and proves them wrong. His ability to look down trodden and beten wtih dignity are what make him one of Hollywood's most bankable actors.

Paul Giamatti, who plays Braddock's manager/trainer, is the real hero of this film. Masterfully, he creates the iconic image of the depression-era business man. Through Giamatti, Howard weaves the parallel images of two men, caught in the turmoil of the depression, living out their individual lives in the best way they know how. Giammati is one of those actors that you just want to get to know...his eyes give his performances soul and his ability to create the persona of Joe Gould particularly reels you in for the ride. In short, I think his performance is the best of those in the movie.

Howard also seems to understand the powerful connections between people and it is those relationships that give the story sustenance and power. The main characters are held in check, per se, by the strong performances of other characters who provide the life and the fabric of a life, in this scenario, the life of JimBraddock.

Overall, I was disappointed in this film. The trailer is superbly done and I walked into the theater expecting to laugh and cry and do all those things that movies do. I did a little of both but the film seemed to lose its timing somehow and I got lost a couple of times in all the hitting and punching.

I'd see the movie again on a rainy Sunday afternoon, cuddled in my easy chair just for to watch Giamatti at his craft.