Cinderella Man

This post is a “shout out” Thank you to all my family and friends who have recommended the movie Cinderella Man.  Watching two people pummel each other is not my idea of entertainment so a movie about a boxer is not what I would ordinarily select for myself.  However, last week I checked it out at the public library. This is the best movie Ron Howard has directed since Willow.

I liked the portrayal of a real man, who struggles with the challenges of life, makes sacrifices for what is most important. I was especially struck by the not so subtle comparison drawn between his fight with Max Baer and every man’s struggle against himself and the wiles of Satan, selfishness, greed, malice, and despair. My viewing of this movie came at a particularly appropriate time because I have been discussing with my faith formation students on Sunday CCC paragraph 2725, how prayer is battle. Lent is a time for increased discipline in our ranks. I am praying for you all as my fellow soldiers in this battle for souls.

The battle belongs to the Lord

I do have this one negative criticism, that the Lord's name is used in vain on multiple occasions. That always makes me cringe.