"As touching, thrilling, and inspiring as they come – and a welcome return to the kinds of films that make you leave the theatre feeling better than when you entered." Brian Juergens FREEZE DRIED MOVIES "An endearing story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, the edge of a cheer, the edge of a tear." Ross Anthony HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD "At the center of all this richness is another irresistible star turn by Crowe. As his Oscar-winning performance in "Gladiator" proved, no contemporary actor is better at conveying an uncluttered personal integrity and nobility of spirit." William Arnold SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER "If you're the sort of occasional moviegoer who feels they don't make 'em like they used to well, you're right. Except that Howard and Russell Crowe have just proved you wrong." Ty Burr BOSTON GLOBE "It's a thrilling story all the more amazing for being true." Colin Covert MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE "When was the last time you saw a truly feel-good movie about men beating the crap out of each other?" Sarah Chauncey REEL.COM

"Russell Crowe inhabits the character of Braddock convincingly and he’s matched by Zellweger and Giamatti. Director Ron Howard recreates the era excellently. The final fight is bloody and protracted but it reflects the decent, dogged spirit of this working class hero who was an inspiration to his generation." Margaret Pomeranz ABC'S AT THE MOVIES "I think this is a really good one. I'll go out on a limb and I'll say this is the best thing that Russell Crowe has ever done." David Stratton ABC'S AT THE MOVIES "Crowe’s brute performance is fantastic to watch with his and Giamatti’s scenes in particular terrific." Megan Spencer SBS MOVIE SHOW "With his portrayal of Braddock, Crowe proves he is the best actor of his generation. In Cinderella Man, he manages to convince you that he is Braddock. It is his best work since he played tobacco whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand in 2000's The Insider. It'd be a travesty if he isn't at least nominated for an Oscar." Chris Bartlett THE SUNDAY MAIL QUEENSLAND "Cinderella Man is first and foremost a film about family. Emotionally it zings and we, like Braddock walk the plank together. It's a rewarding experience - don't miss it." Andrew L Urban URBANCINEFILE "Russell Crowe's best work to date. A performance that hopefully will be remembered when Oscar nominations are called for." Richard Surfield THE MOVIE PAGES

The Inside Story

"Crowe gives another solid performance, and Paul Giamatti (Sideways, American Splendor) adds to his shining reputation as a top character actor by playing Braddock's lippy manager, Joe Gould." Bill Muller ARIZONA REPUBLIC

Like many famous Hollywood actors, Russell Crowe's career has been dogged by controversy. None has been more infamous than his recent telephone throwing incident involving Mercer Hotel concierge, Nestor Estrada. "This arose because he was trying to get his wife on the phone in Australia," his attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, told reporters earlier outside the police precinct where Crowe was booked. "He was in his room. He couldn't get a line and there was a disagreement." His timing could not have been worse. Images of him being led handcuffed by the police did little to add to his so-called reputation as being a bit of a hot head and a bully. "This is possibly the most shameful situation I've ever gotten myself into in my life, and I've done some pretty dumb things in my life," Crowe, 41, said during an appearance on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman". I happen to be a big fan of the "Late Show with David Letterman" and yes, I saw Russell's interview. David Letterman hammed the moment up by hiding his desktop telephone while Russell made his way on to the set as the 'Late Show' band, led by Paul Shaffer played "Mr Telephone Man". Russell handled it all pretty well considering what was hanging in the balance. In the day immediately after the incident I believe Russell began to sense that this time he was in big trouble. I don't doubt for a minute that the magnitude this stupid act might have had upon his career and his freedom hadn't started to hit home. If a conviction was recorded there was every likelyhood that he wouldn't be able to work in the USA again. "The Australian movie star was arraigned on charges of second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon", after appearing before Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Martin Murphy. "The assault charge is punishable by seven years in prison." In the end it was reported the two parties settled out of court for $US11 million. Now most of us understand that it must be very hard at times for those who are in the public spotlight and we empathize with their situation, but it's time for Russell Crowe to stop getting himself into these situations and by doing so, giving the the media another excuse for to jump down his throat. Another thing he certainly doesn't need is some sections of the public lumping Russell the man in with Russell the actor. Choosing to dislike Russell Crowe because of his public life is one thing, but while we must respect peoples opinions, please don't fall into the trap of writing off Russell Crowe the actor because of his sometimes rocky public life. Why? The answer's simple. Russell Crow is a brilliant actor, one of the best seen on the big screen in the last ten or so years. His record shows that. As does his latest film, "Cinderella Man" in which he appears as James J Braddock [the famous American boxer from the years of the Great Depression] and gives the best performance of his career. A scintillating performance that will have you believing you are watching James J Braddock in action. It's the hallmark of the greatest actors to make you forget who they are, to be so good that you fail to see them and believe they are the character they're portraying, and Russell Crow has the gift. So how did it come about that Crowe would play the role of the "Cinderella Man"? It started in 1994 when boxing fan Cliff Hollingsworth "happened to think about Jim Braddock and his incredible rags-to-riches story and I thought what a great movie that would make. I was already familiar with the story. As a longtime boxing fan, I’d read about all of the former heavyweight champions and Jim Braddock has always been my favorite." As lady luck would have it, Hollingsworth made contact with one of Braddock's nephews who in turn "put him in touch with Braddock’s two sons, Jay and Howard. In meeting with them, Braddock's sons revealed the stories of their famous father. Hollingsworth set about writing a draft script which received the famlies seal of approval. When Russell Crowe heard the details of the Braddock story he "was so deeply moved by Braddock’s journey, from a man on the street trying to keep his beloved family from the clutches of poverty to an invincible sports champion and hero of the common person, that he devoted himself to bringing it to the screen." Crowe says he remained fascinated in Braddock's story for a number of years. It was while working on "A Beautiful Mind" that he gave director Ron Howard a copy of the script. "Jim Braddock went through an amazing transformation in front of the world", Howard says. "That was something really interesting to me. Because as moving and inspiring as Jim Braddock’s story is on the outside, it’s only when you get on the inside; inside his love for his wife and the simple desire to take care of his family that he shared with so many people, that you see the real basis for his courage which makes his story so powerful and enduringly relevant." Academy Award winning actress Renée Zellweger says she had "been tracking the evolution of the project even before filmmaker participation had been cemented. What’s beautiful about Mae is that through her strength, she becomes Jim’s purpose. She and the kids are his motivation, they’re what keep him hanging on no matter what," Zellweger said. "Mae is Jim’s support system, but she’s also a woman who has an unconventional sense of herself, she’s never afraid to tell Jim what’s in her heart, even when it’s not what he wants to hear. In many ways, she was at the helm of the Braddock household; very progressive for the times and an interesting dynamic to explore." Already aware of Crowe's enthusiasm, Howard became even more zelous about making the film when he heard of Zellweger's enthusiasm for the role of Mae. There was something else that connected Howard to the story of James J Braddock. "The Braddock-Baer fight was the first fight my father ever remembers hearing," notes Howard. "He must have been seven or eight and his father drove him to the pool hall in town to listen to it on the radio. When I was growing up, my dad would always tell the story of Jim Braddock as an example of courage, personal integrity and the willing of oneself to do something not just for personal gain, but to do right by the people around you." Also working on "A Beautiful Mind" was Oscar®-winning producer Brian Grazer who says he "was riveted the first time he heard the story of "Cinderella Man". When Russell recounted the story of Jim Braddock to me, I found it so heartbreaking and emotional," he recalls. "I saw it as the story of a regular man who faced the hardest of times with remarkable courage. To me, it’s a story about all of us and about the hardship America has experienced in its young history. Here you have this man who didn’t have money to feed his kids, who had a broken hand, who was never supposed to box again, and he goes on to become the champion of the world, to achieve a greatness no one ever saw coming. That’s an amazing fable, even though it’s entirely true." It's a wonderful story indeed and while "Cinderella Man" is set in the 'Great Depression' it is still relevant today. In our troubled times of major weather disasters, bombings, terrorism and the war in Iraq, "Cinderella Man" gives hope that mankind can overcome huge obstacles and triumph in the face of great odds. "The story of Jim Braddock continues to be so incredibly stirring because it is a tale that reminds us of just how remarkable human endurance and the power of love can be," says Howard. "The Jim Braddock story is unusual in more ways than one," observes Hollingsworth. "He inspired the nation in 1935 and was a national hero, yet he became a largely forgotten figure. Jay told me of how he would mention that his father was once the heavyweight champion of the world and usually the person would never have heard of Jim Braddock, that was very frustrating for him. It’s my hope that this forgotten hero will be remembered once again." "Braddock went on with his life after boxing, bringing up his family, working for a living, loving his wife and watching his children grow and his grandchildren born and in 1974, dying in the house he bought with the winnings from that fight way back in 1935. I took his legacy to heart. I wanted people to hear this true American story," Crowe said. Thanks to Russell Crowe I'm sure Braddock will be remebered just as Crowe's performance should be remembered when Oscar nominations are called for by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "Cinderella Man" is a film that is easy to recommend. Crew Bytes "Cinderella Man" was .......
directed by Academy Award ® winner Ron Howard ["Backdraft", "Far and Away", "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind"] screenplay by Cliff Hollingsworth ["Too Good to Be True"] and Akiva Goldsman ["The Client", "Lost In Space", "A beautiful Mind", "I, Robot" and "The Da Vinci Code"]; original story by Cliff Hollingsworth ["Too Good to Be True"]; costume design by Daniel Orlandi ["Meet The Parents", "Phone Booth", "Down With Love" and "The Alamo"]; production design by Wynn Thomas ["School Daze", "Wag The Dog", "Analyze This", "v" and "Analyze That"]; edited by Daniel P Hanley ["Night Shift", "Splash", "Cocoon", "Parenthood" and "In & Out"] and Mike Hill ["Pet Sematary", "Backdraft", "EDtv", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Missing"]; cinematography by Salvatore Totino ["Any Given Sunday", "Changing Lanes" and "The Missing"]; original music by Thomas Newman ["In The Bedroom", "Road to Perdition", "Finding Nemo" and "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"] produced by Brian Grazer ["Blue Crush", "8 Mile", "The Missing", "Friday Night Lights" and "Inside Deep Throat"] Penny Marshall ["Awakenings", "Calendar Girl", "Risk" and "Bewitched"] and Ron Howard ["Far and Away", "The Chamber", "The Missing" and "The Alamo"]. Casting About "Cinderella Man" stars .......
Academy Award ® Best Actor; Los Angeles Film Critics, Broadcast Film Critics, National Society of Film Critics and the National Board of Review Best Actor Award winner Russell Crowe ["Hammers Over the Anvil", "Romper Stomper", "Gladiator", "A Beautiful Mind" and "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World"]; Academy Award ® winner; Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Award winner Renée Zellweger ["Nurse Betty", "Down with Love", "Bridget Jones's Diary", "Chicago" and "Cold Mountain"]; Theatre World Award winner Craig Bierko ["Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "The Thirteenth Floor" and "The Long Kiss Goodnight"]; The 2005 Evening Standard Film Award & Empire Film Award Best Actor winner Paddy Considine ["24 Hour Party People", "In America", "Dead Man’s Shoes" and "My Summer of Love"]; Bruce McGill ["National Lampoon’s Animal House", "The Sum of All Fears", "Matchstick Men" and "Collateral"]; David Huband ["Frequency", "The Ladies Man", "Wrong Turn" and "Love, Sex and Eating the Bones"]; Connor Price ["Men with Brooms", "A Promise", "Fancy Dancing" and "The Republic Of Love"]; Rosemarie DeWitt ["Fresh Cut Grass", "The Great New Wonderful" and "Buy It Now"]; Nicholas Campbell ["The Omen", "The Dead Zone", "The Boys Club" and "Prozac Nation"] and National Board of Review Breakthrough performance of the Year Award winner Paul Giamatti ["Private Parts", "The Negotiator", "Saving Private Ryan", "American Splendor" and "Sideways"] as Joe Gould. What It's All About

"The first film in terms of Oscar hopefuls this year that can truly be considered a contender." John Monaghan DETROIT FREE PRESS

James J Braddock's boxing career has hit rock bottom. It's the middle of the depression. Times are tough for Americans. Fifteen million are unemployed. In an effort to keep his family together Braddock has been fighting with an injured hand. Now, thanks to a poor performance his boxing licence has been withdrawn and Braddock has been forced to join the crowd of desperate men waiting at the docks each morning hoping that they will be selected for work. Initially he's overlooked and Braddock is forced to ask for a public relief payment. Eventually he is selected for work on the dock but his debts are mounting. In the middle of winter, their electricity is turned off. The future looks extremely bleak. Then Braddock's manager Joe Gould pays him a visit. He has a one off fight offer for him that will pay $250 dollars. Gould wants him to fight John "Corn" Griffin at Madison Square Garden, Long Island City, New York as the leadup fight to the main event, Max Baer versus Primo Carnera. To everyones amazement Braddock knocks Griffin out in the third round. What was to be a one off return to boxing soon changed when Braddock was offered another fight. This time he cleaned up John Henry Lewis in the tenth round of their fight. Suddenly word was spreading. James J Braddock was back. The man who has lost everything in the 1929 Wall Street collapse was back in business. He bacame an inspiration for the mass of unemployed as he defeated Art Lasky in fifteen rounds. Now there was only one boxer left to fight. Max Baer, World Heavyweight Champion. Baer was a fierce fighter and two of his opponents has died from his thundering blows. Could Braddock, now dubbed the 'Cinderella Man' achieve the impossible? The Verdict "Russell Crowe's best work to date. Just as James J Braddock became a heavyweight contender this performance should see Crowe in the Oscar nominations again. It's an inspirational film that will leave you full of admiration for both Braddock the boxer and Crowe the actor. Solid support from Paul Giamatti and Renée Zellweger ensures that "Cinerella Man" will live in your memory long after you've left the theatre. While there are a few obvious historical errors in the film "Cinderella Man" is a fascinating story to watch on the big screen. Very Recommended" The Cast

Russell Crowe Renée Zellweger Paul Giamatti Craig Bierko Paddy Considine Bruce McGill David Huband Connor Price Ariel Waller Patrick Louis Rosemarie DeWitt Linda Kash Nicholas Campbell Gene Pyrz Chuck Shamata Ron Canada Alicia Johnston Troy Amos-Ross Mark Simmons Art Binkowski David Litzinger Matthew G Taylor Rance Howard James Ritz Ken James Rufus Crawford Angelo Dundee Christopher D Amos Thomasz Kurzydlowski Stuart Clark Eric Fink Gerry Quigley Darrin Brown Nola Augustson Mark Taylor

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Jim Braddock Mae Braddock Joe Gould Max Baer Mike Wilson Jimmy Johnston Ford Bond Jay Braddock Rosemarie Braddock Howard Braddock Sara Wilson Lucille Gould Sporty Lewis Jake Father Rorick Joe Jeanette Alice John Henry Lewis Art Lasky Corn Griffin Abe Feldman Primo Carnera Announcer Al Fazin Official - Griffin/Baer Fight Ancil Hoffman Lewis Coach Angelo the Cornerman Lewis Cornerman Tuffy Griffith Frankie Campbell Announcer - Lasky Quincy Promoter Relief Office Woman George

The Crew Directed by Ron Howard Story by Cliff Hollingsworth Screenplay by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman Produced by Brian Grazer/Ron Howard/Penny Marshall Original Music by Thomas Newman Cinematography by Salvatore Totino Film Editing by Daniel P Hanley & Mike Hill Casting by Janet Hirshenson/Jane Jenkins/Diane Kerbel Production Design by Wynn Thomas Art Direction by Peter Grundy & Dan Yarhi Set Decoration by Gordon Sim Costume Design by Daniel Orlandi Run Time 144 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2005 - Buena Vista International - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected © 2005 - Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages - All Rights Reserved