Mr. Smith Goes to LA (For Best Actor)

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2002)

"Ali" is a documentary movie about... Ali, the world's most infamous boxer. It jumps in and out at major moments in the boxer's life, and at each of his most famous fights (such as the "Rumble in the Jungle").
The main reason I went to see this movie was for the Oscar nominations for acting. Will Smith for Best Actor I had heard. The Fresh Prince for best acting?? Well after seeing this, and seeing 2 of the contender's performances (Crowe in the weak "A Beautiful Mind" and Denzel Washington's average role in "Training Day"), I can safely say Smith exceeds my expectations here and is very good playing the arrogant, boxing genius. He's got the poise, the dancing, the charisma down and also the darker facets such as Ali's sheer drive to succeed and his belief that he is the *best*. The other nominee, Voight, is a newscaster - he seems so genuine that I could imagine seeing him on my TV. Another deserved nomination there then.
The script tends to move a tad slowly at times - I imagine there could have been some pruning in certain parts. It's also a little fawning over Ali, presenting a somewhat one-sided representation of the man, with only hints of his flaws. However director Michael Mann employs his skills to good use - the camera is never steady, always slightly edgy, like the poised energy of the titular character. There's some great use of musical montages (which don't resort to tired dance beats), and nice lighting effects (highlighting moments such as Ali feeling all drained and washed out when he hits financial trouble).
"Ali" sets out to give us a flavour of the man, and it does this well. It could have been more insightful as to *why* he thought like he did, and maybe have been trimmed by half an hour but overall the direction, coupled with the performances, give an above average boxing and biopic. 7.0/10