RUSSELL CROWE (as Jim Braddock) and Director RON HOWARD (left) on the set of Cinderella Man. Credit: George Kraychyk

With a title like “Cinderella Man,” it’s really no surprise that Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe) wins some unexpected matches in Ron Howard’s fascinating new boxing epic. Several times I found myself at the edge of my seat in suspense, wondering if Braddock would pull off another upset victory.

That’s the magic of “Cinderella Man.” Although it appears to be a predictable and uplifting popcorn flick, Howard injects plenty of suspense along the way. Each fight seems to be a long shot and he uses this to his advantage by playing out the suspense to its maximum length. The result is a fascinating and entertaining boxing film that should please most “Rocky” fans.

Set in the late 1920’s, Jim Braddock is a tough-punching boxer in the ring and a down-to-earth father at home. His wife, Mae (Renee Zellweger), despises his job and worries that she may become a widow with each upcoming fight; she often prays that Jim will quit boxing. Years later, her wish comes true when Jim injures his punching hand in a fight. Although he would rather fight injured, his manager (Paul Giamatti) decides that it would be best if Jim took some time off.

Soon thereafter, things go from bad to worse for Jim Braddock and his family. Unemployed and penniless, the Braddocks find themselves suffering in the middle of the great depression. Each day, Jim waits by the employment gates with hopes of receiving work, but the chances of being selected are very slim.

Mae wants to send their children off to live with a wealthy relative. Jim refuses to allow it because he promised his children that he would do no such thing. Instead, the Braddocks water down the milk and turn the electricity and heat off for the winter.

Then, one day, Braddock is given a chance to fight one final fight after another boxer dropped out of the ring on late notice. He wins the fight, which is really no surprise, and is given another chance to fight. After a few more victories, Jim earns a chance at a championship fight against Max Baer, the heavyweight champ known for killing men in the ring.

“Cinderella Man” is a boxing movie completely opposite from last year’s Best Picture®-winner, “Million Dollar Baby.” “Baby” relied on a powerful, thought-provoking screenplay that went beyond the sport of boxing. “Cinderella Man” tries to go beyond boxing, but with its often predictable and manipulative story, it only succeeds moderately. Fortunately it makes up for its shortcomings with its breathtaking production values and a standout performance by Russell Crowe.

The role of Jim Braddock seems to be made for Russell Crowe, who has the perfect build and personality for the part. Like his character, Crowe is humane and assured, and ready to return to the ring. The fighting scenes often reminded me of Robert De Niro’s performance in “Raging Bull,” although Crowe isn’t given nearly as much to work with outside the ring. Either way, Crowe proves once again that he is one of the finest actors working today.

The film’s dazzling cinematography and art direction also reminded me of Martin Scorsese’s classic boxing opus. In the fight scenes, Howard captures the adrenaline rush of the sport down to a tee–the blood, the sweat, the cheer of the crowd, the glow of the lights, the arrogant certainty of the fighters and the magical look of Madison Square Gardens.

Thanks to these qualities, “Cinderella Man” joins the short list of great boxing movies, which includes “Rocky,” “Raging Bull” and last year’s “Million Dollar Baby.” Although it is certainly not at the level of “Raging Bull” or “Million Dollar Baby,” Howard’s film does bring back much of the underdog magic of Sylvester Stallone’s, “Rocky.” Let’s just hope that five sequels don’t follow this one. “Cinderella Manâ€? stands on its own as a perfect crowd pleaser.