ALI

The source review finds ALI a serious disappointment. It covers Cassius Clay’s rise, his conversion to Islam and name change, his refusal to be drafted, his relationships, his journey to Africa, and his fight with George Foreman. But the film is described as tedious, boring, poorly edited, and unable to bring its subject’s real charisma to the screen.

The content is also unsuitable for families. The film includes foul language, boxing and other violence, sexual immorality, drinking, smoking, and a confused mixture of Muslim, humanist, anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, pro-black-power, and other ideas.

If you are an adult who remains interested, wait to watch it at home, where you can control the experience; do not choose it for children or young teens.

ALI follows Cassius Clay from his youth in Louisville through his boxing career, his friendship with sportscaster Howard Cosell, his conversion to Islam and name change, his refusal to be drafted, and his travels in Africa. The story also includes his marriages, controversies, and professional conflicts as he pursues another major fight.

One star means the source review finds very little to recommend. ALI is called tedious, boring, and poorly edited, with a story that “goes nowhere and doesn’t know when it gets there.” Important events are presented through stereotypical moments, weakening the characters’ motivations.

Will Smith is considered okay in the title role but lacks the real Ali’s charisma. Jon Voight captures Howard Cosell’s mannerisms but is too low-key, while Mykelti Williamson is memorable as Don King. A few other actors provide superb vignettes, but the overall film is judged to have little to do with either history or filmmaking.

The film presents much Muslim content alongside some anti-Muslim content, humanist ideas, anti-Christian and anti-Jewish comments, pro-black-power and anti-black-power comments, and some pro-Christian comments. The source review says this mixture is confused, eclectic, pointless, and tied together only by superficial, stereotypical moments.

The review particularly objects to the film’s treatment of Christianity, including Ali’s complaint about the “blue-eyed Jesus.” It also says Islam is promoted throughout but ultimately comes across badly, while the film gives positive portraits of Mobutu and Idi Amin without addressing the tragic suffering they inflicted on their countries. The result, according to the source, is a distorted portrait of Ali and a mishmash of worldviews and political beliefs.

The film’s search for identity and meaning is ultimately left confused. Scripture calls believers to a different kind of transformation: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

ALI has an important subject but, according to the source review, turns it into tedious, poorly edited filmmaking with troubling content and a confused worldview. For discerning adults who remain interested, WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. For a better family movie night, try.