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'Cinderella Man': Knowing the carriage's destination doesn't diminish the fairy-tale ride

The story of a Depression-era underdog who rises above adversity and rallies the downtrodden masses isn't anything we haven't seen before — the most recent example being Seabiscuit.

Director Ron Howard, reuniting with A Beautiful Mind star Russell Crowe and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, wrings powerful drama and emotion out of the familiar premise all the same in Cinderella Man.

Universal Studios 'Cinderella Man' B+ Director: Ron Howard Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Connor Price, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko Run time: 144 minutes Release date: June 3, 2005 Rating: PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate "Cinderella Man"   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

The gritty, inspirational saga follows the "fairy-tale comeback" of prizefighter James J. Braddock, a one-time contender who, like most Americans during the Great Depression, fell on hard times. Broke, unable to fight or support his family, Braddock gets a shot at redemption and rises through the ranks to face the heavyweight champion of the world, Max Baer, a brutal opponent renowned for killing two men in the ring.

Although we know where the film is going, Howard makes it a gripping bout thanks to a strong story and knockout performances from a first-rate cast that also includes Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti and Craig Bierko.

Cinderella Man aims its blows at the heart by portraying Braddock (Crowe) as a stalwart, working-class family man, as well as a determined fighter. It depicts the romance between Braddock and his devoted wife, Mae (Zellweger), who refuses to watch him in the ring, as well as his struggles to keep from losing his children.

A fictional subplot in which Braddock's friend Mike Wilson (Paddy Considine), a former Wall Street stockbroker-turned-Hoboken dock worker, attempts to organize his fellow laborers touches on the politics of the times.

But it's the thrilling final hour, a well-staged series of increasingly tense boxing matches building to the showdown between Braddock and Baer (Bierko), that will have audiences cheering.

Crowe, an Oscar winner for Gladiator, portrays Braddock through body language, showing his ferocity and pain as he takes blows both in and out of the ring.

Zellweger, an Oscar winner for Cold Mountain, makes the most of her role. However, some viewers may find her Betty Boopish-voice to be a bit grating.

Giamatti continues his roll from American Splendor and Sideways with a funny yet heartfelt turn as Braddock's faithful manager, Joe Gould.

Cinderella Man smacks of formula and isn't above the occasional cliche, such as the requisite training montage and shots of the common folk rooting Braddock on. But Howard's rousing drama is one of year's best films to date, and it stands, arms raised high, as a potential Oscar contender.