Dubbed the "Cinderella Man" by Damon Runyon, James J. Braddock wasn't a great boxer; by most accounts, he wasn't even a very good one. But he was a bona fide underdog who climbed back from the bottom to win the world heavyweight championship, giving hope to every Depression-scarred American who felt down for the count. It's a great story, and director Ron Howard serves it up straight. Bergen County, N.J., 1928. Up-and-comer Braddock (Russell Crowe) has a loving wife (Renee Zellweger), a growing family and, thanks to a powerful right hook and tireless manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), the world's light heavyweight title in his pocket. Five years later (compressed int...
Released:
2005
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
144 mins