Disappointing and Failed Film

Rating: 4/10 (9 January 2013)

This is Movie expectations turned inside out. A great and stylish Director making a film with almost no stylistic charm, and a mediocre Actor giving a complete and against type performance. Who would have thunk it?
This is a boring film about a flamboyant, talented athlete. It is almost an impossible task to take the turmoil and turbulence of such an interesting career in a troubled and spirited time place and make it into a shallow, confusing, indifferent, monotonous movie.
It is a failed film that is a complete mess of meanderings through a World Champion fighters fight for civil rights, religious freedom, conscientious objection, and rebellious recognition. There are some, but very few attractions. The boxing is well handled visually, but lack comprehension of outcomes and nuances. The supporting cast, locations and ambiance are fine as are all the extras.
There are also too many soulful tunes that seem intrusive as background and are given way too much attention. All in all Ali is at best a misfire and at worst a disorienting Biography.