Michael Mann’s cinematic book report dissects only a decade in the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (Will Smith), though the time frame chosen reflects most of the champ’s highs and lows. Beginning with his first world title fight against champion Sonny Liston, “”Ali”” meanders its way through matches, failed marriages and government crackdowns until we reach the “”Rumble in the Jungle”” in 1974.
The screenplay, from a story by Gregory Allen Howard, focuses primarily on two facets of Ali’s life – his religion and his sport – and relays them to us via the boxer’s relationships with two strong men: Malcolm X (Mario Van Peebles) and Howard Cosell (Jon Voight). How they met or became so close is left to our imaginations, though Ali’s respect for them is evident. The relationship with Cosell, a bond of mutual respect that fueled an on-air promotional circus from time to time, deserves its own movie – and the wonderful Voight would have to resume the role. Here, it is left in the shadows too often.””Ali,”” however, does pack plenty of punches, most notably the mesmerizing turn by Smith. Mann’s film, and Smith’s performance, must compete with the collective memories of boxing fans, as well as the highlight reels and outtakes shown year-round on ESPN. They display the real Ali – floating, stinging, and constantly singing his own praises. But I did see more than a few traces of Ali in Smith, and I learned more about both men as a result of the actor’s resounding performance. Smith provides the man with passion, pain, extreme confidence, and even fear (look for it when Ali faces the juggernaut of George Foreman in Africa).But once again, the director needs an editor. With “”Heat”” and “”The Insider,”” Mann has earned his reputation for lengthy prose, and “”Ali”” certainly goes the distance. At just under three hours, the film stutter-steps, bobs and weaves for 9 solid rounds, but tires just when the knockout punch should have been delivered. By the famed “”Rumble In The Jungle,”” a benchmark battle between an exonerated Ali and the relentless Foreman, the length and repetitiveness of the material was felt. Grade: BTHE EXTRASCall it trailer park trash, as Columbia TriStar’s DVD for Mann’s “Ali” offers nothing but trailers for this film, as well as the upcoming “Men In Black II” and “Spider-Man.” The video transfer is gorgeous, and Mann’s soundtrack punches up the already vibrant action. Still, the lack of extras is felt.Grade: DOVERALL EXPERIENCE: C“Ali” will be remembered for Smith’s compelling performance, but its much more than that. For anyone unfamiliar with the prominent sports figure (is that possible?), it’s a launching pad, but not nearly the comprehensive biographical piece it needed to be. By Sean O’ConnellApril 29, 2002