ALI

Starring Will Smith, John Voight, Jamie Foxx, Michael Michelle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ron Silver

Directed by Michael Mann

Will Smith’s portrayal of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, which earned him a Golden Glode nomination, is sure to be followed with an Oscar nod for Best Actor, and deservedly so. Smith’s performance is career making, deep and emotional, flawless and engrossing. Few leading men can play roles of this magnitude without injecting a bit of themselves, but within only a few moments, I stopped seeing the Fresh Prince and was lost in Cassius Clay and his determined, often stubborn efforts to be Muhammed Ali. However, despite Smith’s incredible work here, and some spectacularly shot boxing scenes, there is little else going on. Mann’s style is ever present, but there isn’t a deep insight into Ali that I, nor any other boxing fan, didn’t already have. Ali’s pursuit of Muslim faith, of women, of his lost crown, all seem more grounded in his own bull-headedness than driven by faith or athletic spirit. Not to mention that this is one time that knowing the ending kills the movie. Using the Rumble in the Jungle as the crowning moment seems a bit of a let down in what was supposed to be an insight into a great athelte’s life, not just his career. After all, I’ve seen the actual fight on ESPN Classic about 4 times, and Ali’ knocks Foreman out in the eight round every time. Overall, the movie had great bark, but lacked bite.

Rating: 3 cell phones. Turn your ringer on vibrate, but take any important calls outside, you wont miss too much.