Customer Reviews
Major Dissapointment - By: Asesino Kam, 17 May 2008 
I saw this film in the cinema & as a huge boxing fan & fan of the real Muhammed Ali, I couldn't wait for this film. But unlike the real Ali, Will Smith came across quite dull with a monotone voice in my opinion - Ali was full of life & always cracking jokes - see the rumble in the jungle documentary. Also the boxing was unrealistic as well but I box myself so maybe I'm too harsh. Basicallly if you are a fan of boxing and/or Muhammed Ali don't buy this film, buy the rumble in the jungle documentary instead but if you've only got a casual interest in the aforementioned topics you may find this film OK. The reason the critics probably gave it such a good review is that Muhammed Ali is held in such high regard - but not a true reflection on the actual film I feel.
Oscar Worthy - By: G. L. Williams, 26 Jan 2008 
What a film by Michael Mann & the best performance yet from Will Smith. Will Smith is truly brilliant at displaying Ali & has give a reallly good performance. It is compelling viewing with each actual fight scene being shown brilliantly.
Such sporting brilliance has been given justice by this classic film. Buy it now!
Flat and underwhelming - By: B. W. Jenner, 24 Jan 2008 I love Michael Mann's films but this was a bit of a disappointment. There are a few of his trademark signatures like his curiosity about the women, & at times it's moving, but boxing is drama in itself. Making films of ring action just seem like a poor imitation.
Muhammed Ali was such a character, a film of him struggles to flesh him out. The music is good. Will Smith is quite good. Overalll, I was a bit bored.
Almost a masterpiece - By: Brendan O. Clarke, 08 Oct 2007 The opening ten-minute sequence of ALI is visuallly & emotionallly stunning: we are treated to a classic scene of Cassius Clay out training for a fight while images flash of the history & time period, alll set to the music of Sam Cooke. The film does not (and cannot) maintain the intensity & glory of this opening sequence, ALI is still a film that delivers on several levels. First of alll, I believe the acting deserves special notice. Will Smith outdoes himself in this film & proved to me, once again, that he has more talent than I give him credit for even though he doesn't do his reputation any good appearing in movies such as I Am Legend.
Smith's performance as the film's protagonist is moving & charged. Smith has mastered the ALi voice & continues to assault the camera & those around him with its dangerous ammunition. On top of Smith's performance, the entire cast seems to be on fire in this film. Jamie Foxx, one of the most talented actors working right now, delivers a strange & effective performance. While Smith manages to give us a wonderful recreation of Ali's public self, we fail to glimpse the inner emotion of the man. Of course, there is some depth to the character.
While the film spends much of its time glamorizing the man, Ali's improper decision making & moral confusion do detract from his character. We are not given a flat superhero to watch for almost three hours. But that being said, the film does fail to convey a real sense of why he is the way he is, of what is driving him. I do not believe it is Smith's fault: I think the film lacks the necessary depth & complexity to answer these questions.
Despite its flaws, ALI the dvd is still worth buying for repeat viewings especiallly during times of drunkeness or heavy medication. Michael Mann captures the time period & the political tension better than many other films & Smith's performance as Ali is just as snappy, witty, & volatile as the original. 8/10
unbelievable - By: K. Van Dorp, 29 Jan 2007 
i can see that the part of Ali is one of the most difficult to portray, but in no way did will smith convince me of being (and believing) ali.... i mean, not even for 2 seconds. when he was trying to be the confidant, strong & cocky Ali, he looked more sad then any of the above to me. reallly, the only reason i (nearly) finished the whole film is because of the story.... but i didn't make it to the end. the story & details wasn't very good either. NOTHING like i hoped it would be... just watch the real rumble in the jungle documentary.
