Cinderella Man
User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 209 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 209
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 209
  3. Negative: 29 out of 209

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  1. SusanM.
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    A flawless movie, better than Million Dollar Baby! The acting is brilliant and the story makes you want to stand up and cheer. Ron Howard did an absolutely fantastic job of directing, every detail was so precise, I wouldn't have changed a thing about this inspiring story. Anyone who gave this movie a zero should stick to movies within their scope, like "Son of The Mask" or "Dude, Where's My Car", if you know what I'm saying!!… Expand
  2. jesse
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Just a great movie . Great acting, story, music score, and direction with some great fight footage. What more could you want in a movie. First rate effort all the way around.
  3. SethA
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Better than Rocky, Raging Bull or Million Dollar Baby. That's saying something!
  4. CharlieW.
    Jul 30, 2005
    10
    All of you that rated this movie less than an 8, deserves to be thrown into a vat of leeches. This is an incredible movie with a main character that you really care about. A rare thing in today's movies. Will keep you entertained for its entirety. Truly one of the greatest films of '05. P.S. To those of you who rated it a 0 or 1, you obviously wouldn't know a good movie if it came up and bit you in the ass.… Expand
  5. StevenF.
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    I truly thought this movie was a Ten. I am discouraged with the people trying to purposely lower the score but posting several times with zeros. Come on people, grow up. Let the viewers see what the true public opinion is. This movie was not only not a zero but was a fantastic emotional masterpiece. I suggest the sour pusses out there delve deeply into some soul searching, who knows you might surprise yourself and find you actually have one.… Expand
  6. Hana
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    The best movie of the year.
  7. MithunchandraC.
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    A marvellous film, one of the best films i have ever seen. The music adds to the beauty, the tight screenplay, excellent cinematography, Russel's wonderful acting, & the best part direction, a salute to the maker Ron Howard. All the time you are mesmorized in the movie. The depression era stands before you lively. A brilliant film. A salute to the efforts and intelligence of the maker & his team. We expect more Cinderella Men from you sir.… Expand
  8. Tonydannie
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    What Can you say about this movie? Ron Howard and Russel Crowe together again. Fantastic!! This film is nothing short of excellence. Crowe gives us another great performance. and i can even swallow Rene's pressence in the whole thing. Paul Giamati deserves and oscar nod for his performance. And Howard for directing. It is sad that this movie did not find an audience in the big screen. This is movie magic GOLD!… Expand
  9. miker.
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    Excellent!
  10. Jake
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    The best movie of the year. More proof that the oscars don't mean shit. (except for Paul Giamatti's nom., which they only gave to him because they screwed him on sideways). A great story, well-executed and superbly acted. It's a pity that the folks handing out accolades are too obsessed with controversial films to appreciate a truly great, yet down to earth movie.
  11. VanceB.
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    Totally ignored by the Oscars, this is the best movie of 2005 as far as I'm concerned. Very entertaining, suspenseful, and pro-family, so not eligible for serious Oscar recognition.
  12. PeterJ.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    One of the best movies I have seen so far this year. A very touching family story as well. Howard does a excellent job making you care about what happens at the end... And still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat during the fight scenes.
  13. CherS
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    10, 10, 10 - no 20! IF you missed this movie, you missed the best one to pass you in years! I found myself wishing I had seen the depression scenes in high school, to ensure a life of savings would better benefit me during retirement. Renee and Russell lived this movie, they did not act it. Bravo!
  14. AmyP
    Dec 20, 2005
    9
    Having been disappointed with many of Ron Howard's films in the past, I was most pleasantly surprised by this film. I thought it was wonderful. I think Mr. Howard has matured - this film and "Beautiful Minds" is an indication of how good he has become as a director. Not only is the direction good, but so is the story, the editing and the acting; especially the finely nuanced performances of Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti, who shines whenever he's on screen. I came into this film, not thinking the subject or the movie would interest me. I came out thinking that it is among one of the best movies I've seen in the last several years.… Expand
  15. MichaelB.
    Dec 7, 2005
    10
    I'm stunned: 3 actors that I've never cared for have given 3 of the most powerful performances seen in a movie this year (by this I mean Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti). Do NOT pass this off as another boring boxing film! Do yourself a favor and go rent this one today.
  16. WallyS.
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    One of the best movies of the year. The performances are unforgettable, the directing is stunning and the story is superb. It cheered me and it moved me deeply, its tremendously touching in many ways, definetly worth a watch.
  17. JasonH.
    Dec 9, 2005
    9
    Beautifully made film that shows the struggles and prospects of being an American.
  18. MaryR.
    May 29, 2005
    10
    Definitely a WINNER. A well told story of a man's fight to keep his family together while overcoming adversity. Compelling, Oscar-worthy peformances by Crowe, Giametti, and Zellwiger. Ron Howard has done an excellent job recreating the look and feel of the Geat Depression years, the poverty, despair, loss of self-esteem. The boxing scenes are gritty and realistic. I viewed the film at a sneak preview in a full theater Sunday. It received well deserved applause.… Expand
  19. susanw.
    May 31, 2005
    10
    Lucky enough to catch a sneak preview this past Saturday, and this film was a classic in the making. Russell Crowe was Braddock, he totally encompasses the character, all the actors and directior as well as screenwriters should win Oscars. What a film that hits you right in the heart and takes you to that era. Don't miss this film.
  20. MichaelR.
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Ron Howard and Russell Crowe bring the Braddock story to vivid life in a superbly acted, beautifully shot, highly engaging drama that ranks as one of Howard's best efforts.
  21. LUCKYG
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    Great film, very moving!
  22. MatthewR.
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    Outstanding performances by Crowe and Giamatti. Riviting fight scenes.
  23. MarcR.
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    More enjoyable than Million Dollar Baby!
  24. mikeh.
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    Best movie I've seen in a long time. Involving from beginning to end. Great job by all.
  25. Sammy
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    Absolutely fantastic heartwarming story of a family surviving against all odds during the Great Depression. Paul Giamatti is outstanding as the fight manager. Russell & Renee give yet another fine performance. They are believable in every role they play. This is Rocky and Seabiscuit rolled into one movie. It is a must see.
  26. DevinO.
    Jun 30, 2005
    10
    Excellent cinematography, plot, and acting. A breathtaking movie that will pump you with adrenaline for hours.
  27. MikeL.
    Jun 5, 2005
    10
    Really Good Movie... Loved every minute of it. No idea why it would get bad reviews. I know you will love it if you see it!
  28. BrandyButterscotch
    Jun 5, 2005
    9
    I hate boxing. I think it's an absolutely ridiculous "sport" and have difficulty respecting anyone who practices it. That said, Crowe's portrayal of Braddock in this movie rendered me feeling nothing but respect for the title character. Crowe's nuanced, multi-dimsional style captures the appeal of this American hero and allows the audience to identify with his motives. Giamatti also displays his uncanny ability to truly transform into the character he is playing. Howard, once again, makes movie with laden with a heavy emotionality and an a nearly exhausting tragicality. However, in this film, he also includes a series of riveting, realistic action sequences that leave the audience cheering and gasping after every hit. The efforts of these talented artists (and there are many more that I fail to mention) culminate in a movie that is moving, exciting, and certainly worth it's cloud of Oscar buzz.… Expand
  29. Dr.Doom
    Jun 6, 2005
    10
    Spectacular.
  30. EricY.
    Jun 6, 2005
    9
    There was not much to dislike about this film. Crowe was outstanding as was Zellweger. The boxing scenes were well-done and exciting. It's not just a movie about boxing, but life during the era of the great depression as well. I thought that the wardrobe crew also did a fantastic job w/ clothes and hair from the period. I smell some Oscars for this one. A must see.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 3 out of 40
  1. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Ed Halter
    70
    Despite the tale's dusty pedigree, Ron Howard spins a ticket-worthy two-plus hours of movie-movie entertainment.
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  2. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Scott Tobias
    70
    Lacking a more specific sense of time and place, Cinderella Man leans heavily on the technically proficient Crowe to slip into Braddock's skin, but he can only do so much with a character who's ready to be mounted in bronze over Central Park.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    88
    It's the classic American tale of the family man triumphant, and Howard makes sure that it hits you right in the heart.
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