Cinderella Man: The James J. Braddock Story (2005) User Reviews

Nice portrait of a tough man

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 18 July 2022]

Docudrama on tough and determined boxer James J. Braddock (a fine and likeable portrayal by Lucas Grace), who overcame a losing streak to regain his stride and fought the cocky and formidable Max Baer in the ring for the heavyweight title. Moreover, we also see how Braddock basically had to box out of desperate necessity in order to take care of his wife Mae (a sweet and charming performance by Claire Byrne) and three children.

Director Brian Gilloghy astutely captures the brutality of boxing along with the harsh reality of the 1930's Great Depression. The sharp black and white cinematography provides an appropriately stark look. Andrew Palermo lends sturdy support as Braddock's hard-driving trainer Joe Gould. Worth a watch.

It just wasn't the style I liked....

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 24 September 2012]

I recently saw "Cinderella Man" and enjoyed it. But I also knew that HUGE liberties were taken with the story. In other words, it was BASED on a true story...but many, many things were changed for the film.

When I put the DVD in the machine and pressed the PLAY button, I came to HATE the folks who made this DVD. That's because unlike any other DVD I've ever seen, this one begins with a &$^#ing commercial--making you watch some promo for a film about Roger Bannister!! While I love many of the ESPN films, I truly despise the idiot that did this. I do NOT expect to be forced to see an ad when I press the PLAY button on the Main Menu Screen!! I HATE THIS and curse the person or persons responsible! I thought this film was simply a biography of the real James Braddock. However, I was surprised to see that it consisted of re-creations of the career of Braddock--with actors playing the parts of the various characters--and lots of very fancy camera-work. I actually would have preferred a straight documentary since I'd seen the movie. I also would have preferred it if they hadn't used the 'unsteady cam'--i.e., the constantly moving camera that deliberately avoided staying in one spot. This is a recent technique that makes me feel seasick! The bottom line is that you'll love this film if you like the style. I didn't and just wanted the facts. To each his own. Maybe next time I'll just read Wikipedia.