The Not So Greatest

Rating: 4/10 (6 January 2012)

Muhammad Ali is perhaps the most photographed, filmed and written about sports figures of all time. His life story, the victories against Sonny Liston, conversion to Islam and subsequent suspension and return to the ring, has been told and retold in movies, documentaries and books, ad nauseum. The question then is what could Ali tell us about the real Ali that we don't already know? The answer, unfortunately is nothing.
Will Smith, who looks nothing like the real Ali, has the unenviable task of portraying a man whose face and voice are seared into our collective subconscious. He tries hard, but I did not for one minute believe that Smith was really Ali. He is also unable to duplicate Ali's incredible grace and speed in the ring. Jon Voight, of all people, plays Howard Cosell wearing what looks like a Halloween mask. I found the boxing scenes unconvincing and boring.
All of Ali's major fights, in addition to interviews with Ali and the important people in his life are available on the internet. Why would anyone be interested in seeing this movie?