SUBMITTED BY Andre

October 4, 2001 — Michael Mann's film, 'Ali' was screened in Lakewood, California and reports are sweeping in! The word is VERY positive. AICN scores again! Blast! Anyway, here's a tidbit. For the whole article, follow the link below! But let me stress how 'IRONSIDE' thankfully starts his review:

"With all the disappointments from Spielberg, Lucas, etc. lately - let me quell any fears you might have for this movie...Michael Mann does NOT let us down!

I will keep this review spoiler-free out of respect to the filmmakers. Will Smith as Ali does not disappoint. He plays his role perfectly. While not "Best Actor" quality, there are only a few moments where you might find yourself thinking, "I'm watching Will Smith..." Jon Voight as Howard Cosell -- Normally I LOATHE Jon Voight, but he is AWESOME here!! I LOVED every moment he was on screen! His scenes with Will Smith are very humorous and brighten this movie immensely. Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X -- Who knew this guy could act? He's brilliant! He delivers a speech about Malcolm X's motivations (in a hotel with Ali in the background) and it's just riveting. Possible Best Supporting Actor? Maybe -- all I know is that I wanted to see more of him. Jamie Foxx -- As a dramatic actor? You bet! Humorous in almost every scene he's in - but the part does call for him to break down into a pit of despair. And he delivers. The cinematography is EXCELLENT. Emmanuel Lubezki gets his camera IN CLOSE. He is very aware of his Depth-Of-Field, keeping what Michael Mann wants you to see in focus and everything else blurry. Boxing has never looked so real or exciting. Also, the use of music was good. A lot of authentic 1960s / early 1970s R&B and "soul" music is used flawlessly to put you in the atmosphere of the black culture. During other scenes, there was some Moby and a temp track from "The Thin Red Line" used as filler (this was a test print). Expect those to disappear and be replaced by Lisa Gerrard type stuff (ala The Insider)."

Okay, so that's the good. What does 'IRONSIDE' say about the bad? Follow the link for the full article.