A FINE FILM

Rating: Null/10 (20 August 2002)

I just purchased my copy of this film and watched it for the first time last night.This is a finely made film.I am a fan of just about everybody associated in the making of it.Will Smith,who I might add, actually deserved the recognition he received from the Academy as a nominee this year for best actor for his outstanding delivery of Muhammad Ali.Jon Voight,as usual,gives another unforgettable performance.
I also found Mario Van Pebbles as Malcom X and Mykelti Williamson as Don King,both quite convincing.I almost didn't recognize Jada Pinkett Smith for a while,but she was quite good,having never seen her in such a mature role as this one.
Others have spoken about how NOT this movie is about boxing,yet a look at the man Muhammad Ali,himself.His beliefs,his romantic interests,love for his religion,his comical interviews for the broadcast media.We are even shown his reflections on humanity and human injustices where he' s given an early lesson as a young boy riding in the 'colored' section in the rear of a bus.
We see in this picture a Muhammad Ali who wants and needs to be a voice,a leader for the people,for black people.He proves this in his refusal of being inducted into military service,his choice not to fight in a war in Vietnam against a people he feels are of no threat to him,but rather a race of people who are suffering just like the oppressed in America.I am a Vietnam vet and I surely can understand his reasoning here,even though I went on to fight in that war.
I enjoyed watching this movie and plan on watching it many more times.One thing that rather disturbed me about the film was the sound.I don't know if there are others here who have watched it at home and heard it through a surround sound system,but I found it difficult hearing dialogue at times.I kept adjusting my speakers but couldn't seem to find the right speaker level combo.At times the soundtrack was louder than the actors speaking.I wonder if anyonelse had this problem?
All in all this again is a fine film.