Although it lacks deep insight, Michael Mann's compelling account of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali captures the considerable impact and charisma of the man who literally punched his way into the American consciousness.
As Ali, Will Smith is vastly impressive, bulked-up and carrying Ali's mannerisms in and out of the ring with clarity. He carries the boxer's cocky charm brilliantly and, in a scene where he jogs down an African street followed by hundreds of chanting locals, his sheer inspiration. Focusing on the ten-year period that began with Ali's first heavyweight triumph in 1964, Mann uses Ali's out-of-ring struggles against the US government and conversion to Islam as a lens in which to view the tremendous social/political upheavals of the time.