Popular reviews

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  Review by Neil Bahadur ★★★★★ 2

  Kanye has def watched this movie a shit-ton of times

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  Review by Neil Bahadur ★★★★½ 1

  "I'm only 22 years old, I ain't got a mark on my face, I must be the greatest!"

  Why Mann would be interested in making this film is obvious: Ali is a perfect Mann protagonist, he perhaps more than any other of the people in Mann's films fights hardest for his right to self-identification, his right to be whoever he wants in this world. His right to be called by the name he decides, the right to not to compromise on anything. Mann's social critique in this film is also his harshest (at least directly), the majority of the film focuses on Ali's fight against not another boxer, but the United States Government.

  Once again, (like every Mann film) the…

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  Review by matt lynch ★★★★½ 2

  "Just like that, Daddy. Never jump in one place. Bad for the heart. Forwards, backwards, sideways. That's the most important thing." or "That ain't all Sam'll do for you."

  A man taking control of (and reconciling his individuality with) his incredible political capital. Claiming it from so many people who wanted to exploit or steal it. Literalizing his own metaphor.

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  Review by nickusen 2

  The first 20 minutes of this movie remain some of the most thrilling filmmaking I’ve ever seen

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  Review by comrade_yui ★★★★★ 3

  the first 10 minutes of this are the best thing in michael mann's entire career. the totality of what muhammad ali stood for, for both himself and millions of people, is completely encapsulated in that opening, the power of the moving image being propelled by dynamic music, a man living up to his own legend. it's the kind of amazing stuff that really reminds you what greatness this medium can achieve when you have the right talent behind and in front of the camera

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  Review by Josh Lewis ★★★★

  "free ain't easy. free is real. and real's a motherfucker."

  RIP The Greatest of All-Time

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  Review by Jamelle Bouie ★★★ 2

  I’m still learning how to write a narrative review, so in the meantime, I’ll make a few points.

  
  1. The opening montage—grounding Muhammad Ali in history and situating him in the context of racial violence, the civil rights movement, the Nation of Islam, and nascent black celebrity culture—is brilliant and brilliantly-edited, easily one of the best sequences of Michael Mann’s career. And the first fight of the film, Ali’s bout with Sonny Liston, is thrilling and impactful, with Mann emphasizing Ali’s might and grace.

  2. Easily Will Smith’s best performance, even if he is a little one note at times. Unfortunately, and this might be a weakness of the script as well as Mann’s approach to the material, Smith doesn’t…

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  Review by Josh Lewis ★★★★ 3

  "... How I am says something."

  That rare film truly of experience and observation—of moments in time, forces in motion, feelings, and places both fleeting and all-encompassing. The new director's cut on the commemorative blu is excellent.

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  Review by Jake Cole ★★★★ 1

  A fitting follow-up to The Insider, in a way. Where other Mann films show their protagonists and antagonists trapped in the insular world of their professionalism, these two films find their heroes subjected to the active hostility of an entire system. In Jeffrey Wigand’s case, it is the industry he served for his whole career, but for Ali, it is establishment society itself. As he says in one scene set during his forced suspension from boxing over his draft dodge, he fights the biggest opponent of his career, “the entire U.S. government.”

  The opening segment of the film has remained blistering an incisive across all three of Mann’s edits of the picture. A collision of pop culture and social upheavals…

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  Review by Rafael "Parker!!" Jovine ★★★★ 17

  Action!: MANN MEN - In the Heat of Digital Mike's Manhunt

  Another film I'm relieved to find that it still works. Will Smith had been working on serious projects and discarding his Fresh Prince image for a while, but this role cemented his reputation as a serious, Oscar-worthy actor. And I wonder, half joking, half seriously, if the infamous "slap" at the Oscars was meant to serve as a reminder that, yeah, Will was fantastic in King Richards, but that he was truly getting that Oscar for this movie. It makes you wonder if the man was possessed by the ghost of Ali that night.

  But in all seriousness, Smith is the one who keeps the audience enthralled throughout Michael…

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  Review by Michael James ★★★★½ 2

  Just loved this biographical sports drama covering the fascinating life and personality in Muhammad Ali, from 1964 to 1974. Michael Mann exhibits his directional proficiency with flying colors. The ultra stylish staging, execution, along with solid cinematography, smooth editing, unparalleled musical score and excellently choreographed boxing sequences make it technically outstanding. It creates an ambience and vibe which is so stylishly unique.

  Will Smith is just terrific, perfectly fitting into the lead role; his screen presence and charisma on screen just keeps you hooked in. The movie doesn’t go the usual overdramatic thrill build ups on screen, rather making it more internalized, as a strong character study. Some may find it a let down, but personally think that is exactly what makes this sports drama even the more special and stand out from the rest. It’s definitely one of my favorite sports drama and highly recommend it.

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  Review by Michael Mann Facts ★★★★½

  No DP announced yet for Ferrari… my fingers are crossed so hard they’re turning purple…  Lubezki… come home…