Featurette: Behind the scenes of Cinderella Man

Regarding Cinderella Man:

Matt: A fine return to form from Ron Howard after some of his other works.  Russell Crowe is just fine as Jim Braddock, a heavyweight boxer given a second chance during the Great Depression.  Paul Giamatti is going to earn his Oscar this time.  I just wish the boxing scenes were shot and cut better (pardon the pun).  Still, a good movie.  Three stars.

Aron: I have to concur with Matt on this one.  All the acting is fine, especially Paul Giamatti.  The film was made in Toronto, filling in like old New York City just fine.  But the boxing scenes were very hard to make out.  Three stars. 

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding The Longest Yard (2005) :

Aron: If you have to remake the seminal 1974 classic, then this would be a good way to do it.  Adam Sandler makes a good replacement for Burt Reynolds (who returns himself).  I had fun.  Three stars.

Matt: So did I.  I actually cared about the football game being played on screen.  The football extras came from the AFL and NFL Europe, so that's how realistic it looked.  And keep an eye out for some football greats.  Three stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Commentary: Two legends of the silver screen are now available in new DVD box sets.  Aron and Matt took a look at some of the films made by James Dean and Steve McQueen

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger and Paul Giamatti