A Well-Acted Film!

Rating: 7/10 (19 November 2011)

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali's life unfolds in 'Ali'. Directed by Michael Mann, this biopic, which failed at the box office, actually deserves a watch, for the fine performances it offers, along-with commendable direction by Mann.
'Ali' tells the story of Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith, from 1964 to 1974, featuring his capture as of the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston, his conversion to Islam, criticism of the Vietnam War, banishment from boxing, his return to fight Joe Frazier in 1971, and, lastly, his reclaiming the title from George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle fight of 1974.
'Ali' is engaging in parts, not in totality. Reason? The Erratic Screenplay, that sometimes gives it's icon his due, while sometimes, backlashes him with overly-long scenes. Screenplay by Eric Roth, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson & Mann himself, works in parts. It definitely could've been tighter & even shorter. Mann's direction, on the other-hand, is commendable, as always. The Boxing Sequences are stunning, while the Cinematography & Editing, are crisp. Make-Up, is marvelous.
Performance-Wise: Will Smith as Muhammad Ali, is damn impressive. The actor never loses focus & pays tribute to the ring-legend. Jon Voight as Howard Cosell, is first-rate, although, he is hardly recognizable, thanks to the terrificly done make-up. Jamie Foxx is good. Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X, is sincere. Ron Silver & Jeffrey Wright are passable. Jada Pinkett Smith & Mykelti Williamson support well. Others fill the bill.
On the whole, 'Ali' isn't flawless, but well-acted & nicely executed, nevertheless.