Brad and Angelina, yes we know, we’ve heard all about it. But we’re interested in a movie that actually has some emotional and intellectual content – like CINDERELLA MAN, the wonderful new bio-pic directed by Ron Howard. It’s the Depression-era story of James Braddock, a down-on-his-luck boxer who dreams the impossible dream and dares to go after it, while carrying the weight of the Great Depression on his shoulders. The historical context is so well played that it’s actually uplifting -- not that this isn't a sanitized Disney-ized Depression at all, but there is something hauntingly lovely inside the sentimental melancholy of the day. The boxing scenes are excellent, and quite accurate. The three leads -- Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger and the newest thinking-woman’s-sex-symbol Paul Giametti are in top form. (Will we remember them come Oscar time? Let’s try.) Sadly, inside scoop has it that this flick is not faring well against summer blockbusters, and may be shelved until fall, when more cerebral “Oscar-buzzers” start popping up. All in all, a terrific movie, start to finish, with superb acting and directing. Catch this one before it goes.

WHAT TO RENT: There oughtta be a law against writing, producing and starring in a film. Clint Eastwood can do it, and even that’s a stretch, but you Mr. Spacey, can not. But there’s just something so “bon vivant” about your work in BEYOND THE SEA that we’re absolutely mesmerized; is it your yellow leisure suit, or your ridiculous Buzzby Berk-era song and dance routines that pop out of nowhere and go gaily along endlessly? We cannot know for sure which parts of this “bio-pic” are accurate, as it does indeed seem like Kevin Spacey’s fantasy of what Bobby Darin’s life might have been like. This is a fun, foolish rental, but, hey isn’t there a place for that in your life? There certainly is in ours.

June 17, 2005 in Movie Mojo | Permalink