Ali/Girlfight 2-Pack (2000)

Synopsis: ALI is both an informative look at the career of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, and an entertaining and moving portrait of the man. The action begins with the brash young Cassius Clay's (Will Smith,... ALI is both an informative look at the career of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, and an entertaining and moving portrait of the man. The action begins with the brash young Cassius Clay's (Will Smith, I, ROBOT) surprising victory over Sonny Liston. The film depicts Clay's conversion to Islam, his partnership with "Bundini" Brown (Jamie Foxx in a wonderfully complex turn), his friendship with Howard Cosell (a transformed Jon Voight), his principled refusal to serve in the military during Vietnam, and his subsequent problems with the law and the boxing commission. The film concludes with Ali's battle with George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle." Smith delivers a worthy performance, transforming his body, face, and voice to capture the spirit of the charismatic fighter. The film shows the familiar public figure of fights and press conferences, and also gives a glimpse of the quiet, thoughtful private life of Ali. In GIRLFIGHT, Diana Guzman (Michelle Rodriguez) is a tough high school girl with a violent streak. Between problems at school, a father who belittles her, and a lonely social life, she searches for some way to find respect, love, and challenge. Diana finds all those things in the boxing ring at a gritty Brooklyn gym, where she begins training against her father's will and eventually earns the gym's championship for female boxers. A story of willpower, strength, and endurance, GIRLFIGHT wins on all fronts.Director Karyn Kusama should also be commended for the film's subtle communication of difficult family issues and its objectivity in telling this slightly feminist tale. [More]

Starring: Will Smith, Michelle Rodriguez, Jamie Tirelli, Jon Voight

Starring: Will Smith, Michelle Rodriguez, Jamie Tirelli, Jon Voight, Jada Pinkett Smith

Director: Michael Mann, Karyn Kusama

Director: Michael Mann, Karyn Kusama

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