Time will tell...

Rating: Null/10 (12 January 2002)

Ali was made with all the right ingredients: a big name actor starring, a director of high quality directing, and supporting actors who delve into their characters. But what nobody seems to have noticed so far was the script was a mere 10 pages long (I'm being sarcastic but not by far). There was almost no talking that wasn't encouraging Ali to do this or Ali to do that. I went to hear Ali's big mouth and see his fists fly. I was disappointed in both but decided about 10 minutes into it if they were going to rip me off from my purpose I'd settle down and see what social impact this movie would leave on me.
I was more than a little disappointed. First of all the tale is of Ali in a couple of years of his prime and then the end of his flash and bang with the crowd. We see almost nothing of his childhood (one scene doesn't count in my opinion) and if you aren't an absolute Muhammed Ali buff then you won't know anything going in. For example, his father is around him most of the time and I had no idea until they fought over the name Muhammed Ali. That's not a good sign of a great movie. A great movie will stand the test of time by explaining things to you just enough to keep you focused. Instead I found myself running back to scenes in my mind because I didn't know who someone was.
Will Smith does a shining job as Ali, I will not deny this. But the lack of speaking parts for him deny the viewer any insight into what he was all about. The impact of the film is said to be when he is jogging in Africa. Well this is all well and good except there is no speaking or thinking aloud parts to this. I am too young to have ever seen Ali fight in person. It's a shame. But because of my youth I'm deprived of knowing him? I don't want to go out and read 10 books on a subject just so I understand a movie. This film was put together wonderfully for those who are a big fan of Ali's personal life and struggles. For someone going and thinking this will be another JFK, Nixon, or any films that give you insight into someone's life...well...return your ticket now.
This film, in short, will not stand the test of time. 30 years from now people will watch this movie and not understand anything going on, as I've done just 2 days ago. If you didn't live in that time frame you are exempt. In my opinion this fact is as bad as the discrimination shown briefly in the movie. I'm shut out for my age and lack of information. Bad movie. 3 out of 10 stars