Cinderella Man
Yo Adrienne! This rocks

// The skinny: Based on the true story of washed up boxer James Braddock's rise to the top during the Great Depression.

// Review: This movie is what Rocky wishes it was. The story is an amazing unbelievable underdog triumph against ginormous odds that has every fiber of your being pulling for Braddock. He's an oak of integrity, loving husband, devoted father, selfless, humble, and hard working. Many times "based on a true story" movies are made because the principal does something great, but then they have to omit or rewrite the person's character or personality because it doesn't make for good cinema. But I want to believe that people like Braddock exist, and that sometimes these people do the truly extraordinary.

/ This film was electric. It felt like 90 minutes rather than 150. All of the actors were excellent. Russell Crowe just pumps out gold. Paul Giamatti is becoming the quintessential supporting actor. He won't headline any blockbusters but like Gary Oldman and Geoffrey Rush, they make every movie they are in better.

/ Sometimes it's enough to be drawn in when we want the underdog to win because it's a nice story. But Braddock wasn't just fighting for himself, but for his family and the hope every American placed in him during those difficult times. Even though we all know how the film will ultimately end from the title, every moment and every blow is gutt wrenching and there is enough doubt that makes you keep hoping for the fairytale ending.

/ The big knock on it, is for a sports themed movie the boxing part is pretty bad. The camera work is haphazard and zoomed in way too much. It was hard to tell what was going on and even who was the one getting punched.

// Wrap up: There are movies that are entertaining but not very good, and some that are good but not very entertaining. Cinderella Man succeeds on both levels.

Entertainment rating: 4