The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

The unfortunate release date in theatres of this movie, June 2005, wasn't the best idea. Although counterprogramming for the mega-blockbusters of the summer (Fantastic Snore, Mr. & Mrs. Sh*t) is never a bad idea, June isn't the time. Most of the "smarter" films that are offered in summer usually are released in late July or August, perhaps because with little Billy out of school begging to see the next installment of Star Wars, parents don't have a chance to go see something they want to see that early in summer. I mention this because late summer/fall is the time to release the award contenders, and Cinderella Man's early release and lackluster box office will probably rob it of any Oscar considerations when the nominees are announced in the next few weeks.

The story of champion boxer Jim Braddock, a rags-to-riches-to-rags-back-to-riches story, is a trip we have visited before. But the angle this one takes: first, that it's a true story, second, it's about a guy America got behind as he fought during the Great Depression and was looking to get a second chance. He put his family above everything else during these hard times, something everyone could relate too. His kind demeanour and his never-quit work ethic spoke to the public. In other words, Braddock was fighting for them. Today, athletes that get the headlines are quite frankly a**holes like the NHL's Sean Avery or the NFL's Tyrell Owens. These guys, quite high on themselves, do not have a trace of humility or grace in them, and there big paycheques and unquestionable talent make them feel "above" everyone else. When was the last time there was a true hero the public admired?

Russell Crowe, an interesting choice to play the role as he comes across time and time again as an a**hole in real life, plays Braddock with strong conviction. His accent sometimes is inconsistent, but nonetheless you root for him so does his job right. Paul Giamatti, steals the show as Joe Gould, Braddock's manager and best friend. I felt Giamatti was robbed of a nomination last year for his work in Sideways, but this is Cinderella Man's strongest chance for at least a nomination.

As I mentioned before, the only real drawback to this picture is the "been there, done that" feel to it, which is ashame because athletes like Jim Braddock should not be forgotten and it's terrific that a picture comes along like this to introduce to the movie public the heroes of yesteryear that today's sportsmen should strive to be. Rocky, Raging Bull...I like these boxing pictures better, but still, Cinderella Man definitely merits viewing.