Universal

Cinderella Man tells the heartwarming true story of heavyweight fighter James J. Braddock, a man thought to be washed-up, who rises from the ranks of the forgotten to rebuild the life and potential he lost somewhere along the way. It's also one of Ron Howard's finest films, and with a body of work which includes Backdraft, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Far and Away, and Ransom, this is a fine accomplishment. Unfortunately, this film's success never rose to the level anyone ant...cipated, and there's nothing worse than when a well-crafted piece such as this falls victim to bad press -- especially when said bad press has almost nothing to do with the film. Firstly, Cinderella Man suffered from the now famous idiotic outburst of its star Russell Crowe. Secondly, there was the debacle over Howard's portrayal of Max Baer, and how that portrayal affected and offended Baer's still-living son (the former Jethro Bodine of TV's Beverly Hillbillies, and successful film producer). Finally -- and perhaps most important of all -- was the lackluster marketing campaign, which made the film look so dull even I was ready to wait for the video. These three factors added together to cause the film an almost embarrassing performance for all there was to recommend it (two Oscar winners in the starring roles, an Oscar winner behind the camera, another Oscar contender in a supporting role -- Paul Giamatti -- and perhaps one of the most inspirational tales in American history).

At one time, James Braddock was a contender. He had the world on a string, a woman who loved him, and several adoring children. But somewhere along the way -- an injury here, a few decision losses there -- his career and his world took a nosedive. After injuring his hand and coasting through a boring fight, he loses his boxing license, and consequently, his meal ticket. At one point, the sky was the limit. But now, left to a dark and desperate world, he struggles to keep the heat on during a brutally encroaching New York winter. He's forced to send his children away just to save their lives from the harsh weather. And at his lowest point, he succumbs to the very thing he stands against -- welfare. After finding himself all but forced to sign up for social assistance, he becomes determined to turn it all around. All he needs is the opportunity, which comes in a supposedly one-time shot against a top heavyweight contender. No one expects Braddock to win, but when he does, it sets in motion a chain of events, which position him into a very real chance for a shot at the deadly world heavyweight champion Max Baer, who was responsible for the deaths of more than one man in his storied career. Whether Braddock becomes one of those victims, I will leave for the uninitiated to discover. But the enjoyment of Cinderella Man depends not on winning or losing, but on the inspiration of Braddock's overwhelming comeback. He rose from the proverbial canvas at the same time as a nation did, and it's not entirely implausible that he lended a hand -- however small -- in getting this country back on its feet.