ALI NOW AVAILABLE

ALI NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

HERE IS THE SUMMARY FOR THE MOVIE ALI FROM IMDB

In 1964, a brash new pro boxer, fresh from his olympic gold medal victory, explodes on to the scene, Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African American's in sport with his proud public self confidence with his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. To his credit, he sets out to prove that with his highly agile and forceful style soon making him a formidable boxer who soon claims the heavyweight championship. His personal life is no less noteworthy with his allegiance to the Nation of Islam, his friendship with the controversial Malcolm X and his abandonment of his slave name in favour of Muhammad Ali stirring up controversy. Yet, at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test with the military draft rules are changed, making him eligible for military induction during the Vietnam War. Despite the fact that he could easily agree to a sweetheart deal that would have meant an easy tour of duty for himself, Ali refuses to submit on principle to cooperate in an unjust war for a racist nation that treated his people so poorly. The cost of that stand is high as he finds himself unable to legally box in his own country while his case is contested in court. What follows is a battle for a man who would sacrifice so much for what he believes in and a comeback that would cement his legend as one of the great sports figures of all time. Written by Kenneth Chisholm {kchishol@rogers.com}

Muhammad Ali from 1964 to 1974, told in three braided threads. The boxer: from becoming champion to regaining the championship. Religion and politics: Cassius Clay becomes a Black Muslim, truncates a friendship with Malcolm X, perhaps is Elijah Muhammad's pawn, refuses induction into the US military, and faces a five year prison sentence while his case goes to the Supreme Court. Family: he marries twice and by 1974 marriage two is strained, defends his white trainer, has a brother in Bundini Brown, and is wily with Howard Cosell. Throughout, Ali keeps his own counsel: in the ring, at the induction center when he won't step forward, and in friendship, love, and victory. Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}

HERE IS A REVIEW FOR THE MOVIE ALI FROM DVDTALK

Documenting anyone's life can be an arduous task. What to include, what to leave out, and what to emphasize are all important questions. What that person is famous and everyone is awaiting the outcome that process can be even more difficult. Director Michael Mann seemingly faced these decisions multiple times while making Ali and did not always make the right choices.

When dealing with a life as well known as Ali's, there are moments that everyone expects to see. They want to see his first championship win, the reason he changed his name, his fight with the U.S. Army and any of his numerous other fights (Rumble in the Jungle). Mann has included these moments, but has produced so much padding and filler around them that it's easy to lose interest at times.

The opening of the film flashes between his childhood and first championship win. It's an interesting method that shows who he is both now and then. By the time this sequence is over, 30 minutes have passed. With this much time devoted to the opening, it's no mystery as to how the rest of the film will play out.

In choosing to look at the middle of Ali's career, Mann chose the most politically interesting time in his life. In doing so he also forces Malcolm X (Mario Van Peebles) into the picture, whose presence threatens to steal much of the focus from Ali (Will Smith). X may have been an important influence on Ali's life, but he could have been less of an onscreen presence.

That's not to say the movie doesn't do several things beautifully. Will Smith is mesmerizing in his performance of Ali. It's an amazing physical transformation that deserved the Oscar nomination it received and hints at Smith's potential. Likewise, Jon Voight as Howard Cosell is amazing. Last, but not least, Jamie Foxx again proves he has the dramatic chops to carry a film with his portrayal of Drew 'Bundini' Brown. Another perfect aspect of the film is the cinematography. There are many moments that are framed and filmed perfectly. This helps with the slowness of the film at times by engaging the viewer visually.

Video: As stated, the film looks beautiful. The Anamorphic print is presented in 2.35:1 ration that frames the film perfectly. There's a richness and saturation to the colors that looks great, but not overly bright or vivid. As far as quality, nothing bad can truly be said. There's a little edge enhancement visible at times, but the overall print quality is perfect with no flaws.

Audio: The audio is a mixed bag on this disc. The fight scenes are mixed wonderfully. They convey the power in the ring with thunderous punches that will give your sub a workout. The rest of the soundtrack is considerably tame. There's no use of Dolby Digital's processing power anywhere else in the film.

Extras: Normally I would say this disc has none. I don't consider trailers as extras. But, when one of those is the full trailer for Spider-Man (May 3, 2002) then I'll make an exception. Also included are trailers for Ali and Men in Black II. These are all in 5.1, so that's a plus. It's a real shame there is nothing included with the film, as you know the material had to be there.

Overall: This would definitely be a rent for me. The film looks and plays beautifully, but I never really felt a personal connection or interest to Ali through the length of the film. Those looking for a straight biography would also be better looking elsewhere. Those looking for a sometimes slow, but entertaining film should give it a chance. It's worth a single viewing based on Smith and Voight's chameleon like performances alone.

HERE IS THE DIRECT DOWNLOAD FOR THE MOVIE ALI.