Cinderella Man

I watched this movie for three reasons-
a) Acting talent of Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger
b) Direction of Ron Howard
c) The compelling story of a man who tasted success, then lost everything in the Depression and then, came fighting back- literally!
I wasnt disappointed but there were a few surprises.

First- Paul Giamatti was absolutely superb. He was great in Sideways, but here, he has outdone himself and clearly become a front-runner for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor!
Second- the fight scenes were too gruesome for me. Its a balance- trying to show exactly what happened and still keeping in mind you don't over-do. Straight after the movie, an old lady told me she loved the movie barring the very detailed (and sometimes gory) fight scenes!
Third- the explanation of why he was called Cinderella Man was made almost in passing. Should have been a little more forthright about it especially since thats the title of the movie.

I loved the movie though and would rank it amongst these actors, and Ron Howard, have been associated with. Also, if Renee doesnt win Best Actress for this one, I'd be surprised!