Ali is a good film, but it’s not an outstanding film. It spans a ten-year period from when Ali first captured the World Heavyweight Title (when his name was Cassius Clay) up to his infamous fight in Zaire against George Foreman, dubbed "The Rumble in the Jungle." Smith delivers a performance of a lifetime, one that could get him into Oscar contention (ditto for Jon Voight as Howard Cosell), but somewhere in the delivery things failed these fine actors. If it’s not the direction that’s the problem, then perhaps it’s in the editing.

Mann’s films always have a fantastic look with cutting-edge cinematography. Ali does look good, as good as anything Mann has done, but for whatever reason it does not convey the excitement it should. The film does not feel tight and it makes this already long film feel like it’s playing for even longer. The result is cold, sterile, and distant to the point of distraction. In fact, I found myself fidgeting in my seat and even made a couple excuses to leave and get a glass of water -- not a good sign. The movie is certainly interesting but never captivating like it should be.

Muhammad Ali is an inspiring and powerful person. From this film, though, you’ll likely not gather that if you don’t know much about him already. It shows a lot but explains little. On the other hand, in 1996 an outstanding documentary was released called When We Were Kings. It dealt with the "Rumble" but seemed to explain so much more. That film built to such a rousing climax it could almost bring theater audiences to their feet. More importantly, it showed Ali in the proper light and better explained why he’s so revered to this day. Kings won a host of awards including an Oscar for Best Documentary.