Movie Review: Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man was a movie that I was all that eager to see, but I did end up glad that I watched it. It is important to note that I was glad rather than thrilled. This review will be not be very in depth mainly because I don't think the movie particularly merits my attention that way.

First of all the setting is a lot of fun. I really enjoy period pieces, even if that period is the Great Depression. The story is quite amazing. I wonder how true it actually is. That Braddock triumphs is the most implausible part of it, and yet also the part most certain to be accurate. That movie centered on Braddock and his struggles rather than throwing around metaphors for our current situation was comforting. Not all movies need be political.
I think movie probably went on to long. An hour forty-five probably would have served the story better. The boxing scenes were quite intense, though that intensity was justified by the story. I think we can all agree that it's never fun to see a nose break.

My primary thought upon finishing the movie was that Russell Crowe is a phenomenal actor. Each time I see him he seems made for that particular role, whether it be an insane math professor, a British sea captain, or a Depression boxer. I read in the Time issue dealing with Master and Commander that he had been given first choice for both Morpheus and Aragorn. He would certainly have given Fishburne a run for his money, albeit with a very interpretation. I really can't see how he could have failed to surpass Mortensen, who excelled primarily in the physical aspects of his character. Whether the whole venture was worth giving up my reading of First Things for is debatable.