Ali

Director: Michael Mann (2000)

Starring: Will Smith, John Voight, Jamie Foxx

Will Smith gives yet another bravura performance. This time he embodies the spirit of Mihammad Ali. Director Michael Man worked hard not to make Ali into a characature. He also gave the essence of Ali a new spin as he tried to wrest the title back from George Foreman.

The film covers Muhammad Ali in the craziest ten years of his life and career. At 22-years-old Casius Clay beat Sonny Liston for the Heavyweight title in 1964. After becoming a Black Muslim he changed his name to Muhammad Ali and and converts with the help of his friend Malcolm X, perhaps it is his mentor Elijah Muhammad's who convinced Ali to refuse induction into the US military. That event caused him to be stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali can't fight and faces a five year prison sentence while his case goes to the Supreme Court.

This film covers the events up to his classic title fight in 1974 in Zaire, where he sought to regain his lost title.

Fun Facts:
"Ali" was Will Smith's breakthrough film for the rapper turned actor.The film also was a coming out party for television comedian turned actor,Jamie Foxx, who played Ali's trainer, collaborator and close friend, Bundini Brown.

Smith trained for months and added over 70 pounds of lean muscle to his body.

Smith's performance as Ali garnered him A Best Actor Oscar nomination.

Former Oscar-winning actor, John Voight received A Best Supporting Actor nomination for his spot-on performance as legendary sportscaster, Howard Cosell.