Entertainment

11:12 AM CST on Tuesday, December 6, 2005

By CHRIS VOGNAR / The Dallas Morning News

Cinderella Man did a June swoon when it hit theaters in late spring. Despite glowing reviews, a big star in Russell Crowe and a real-life, feel-good story, the movie failed to capture the public's imagination, even after Universal took the unusual step of offering ticket refunds to unsatisfied patrons. (The title, which brings to mind a dude in glass slippers, probably didn't help.)

But now it's Oscar season, and the story of Depression-era boxer James J. Braddock has risen off the mat with a return to theaters and a debut on DVD, the format that has slowly changed Hollywood release patterns. No need to worry about sending screeners to academy members; voters can refresh their memories via the big screen or the local video store.

What they'll find is a handsomely mounted boxing movie that also hits home as a tale of the Great Depression. Cinderella's richly textured look and dramatic punch confirm that Ron Howard belongs in the top rank of Hollywood directors and that his leading man is as good with boxing gloves as he is with a telephone.

The Braddock saga, which gets a less glossy DVD treatment in the ESPN doc Cinderella Man: The James J. Braddock Story, is tailor-made for Hollywood hagiography. Heavyweight boxer rises fast, hurts his hand and plummets with the rest of the country into the Great Depression. But outside the ring he never loses his resolve, and inside he gets the ultimate second chance with a title shot against the heavily favored Max Baer.

The boxing scenes are first-rate. You're struck by Mr. Crowe's physical grace, commanding presence and mastering of Braddock's style, especially when you look at the footage of the actual fight on the "Ringside Seats" feature. Author and boxing buff Norman Mailer, looking as if he just rolled out of bed, joins the filmmakers in analyzing sections of the fight, in which the fighters grew so exhausted they spent the last round leaning their heads against each other to stay upright. The "For the Record" feature showcases revered boxing trainer Angelo Dundee, who jovially recalls his role as Mr. Crowe's fight guru: "I'm working with Russell Crowe! That's a big kick for me." You go, Angelo.

Soon we'll see if Cinderella Man was a big kick for Oscar voters. Mr. Howard, Mr. Crowe and Paul Giamatti, who plays Braddock's peppy manager, are all worthy of consideration. And now they have a DVD to help make their case.

E-mail cvognar@dallasnews.com

Cinderella Man

Grade: B+
Starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko and Paddy Considine. Directed by Ron Howard. PG-13 (boxing violence, language). 145 min., plus extras. $29.98.