*Movie Title:* The Greatest of All Time (GOAT)
*Release Year:* 2016 (biographical sports drama film)
*Director:* Benny Boom
*Cast:* Aldis Hodge, Alexandra Shipp, Daniel Sawtelle, and Tika Sumpter
*Runtime:* 1 hour 45 minutes
*Genre:* Biographical Sports Drama
*Synopsis:*
"The Greatest of All Time" is a biographical sports drama film based on the life of Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. The movie explores Ali's early life, his rise to fame, and his struggles with racism, religion, and personal identity.
*Review:*
"The Greatest of All Time" is an inspiring and captivating film that delves into the extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali. Director Benny Boom masterfully weaves together the complexities of Ali's life, from his humble beginnings in Louisville, Kentucky, to his ascension as a boxing legend and social icon.
*Positives:*
1. *Powerful Performances:* Aldis Hodge shines as Muhammad Ali, bringing depth and nuance to the iconic boxer's story. Supporting performances from Alexandra Shipp and Daniel Sawtelle add richness to the narrative.
2. *Historical Accuracy:* The film meticulously recreates pivotal moments in Ali's life, including his legendary fights and tumultuous relationships.
3. *Social Commentary:* "GOAT" thoughtfully explores themes of racism, identity, and social justice, providing context for Ali's activism and its lasting impact.
4. *Cinematography:* Vibrant visuals and expertly choreographed fight scenes immerse viewers in the world of 1960s and 1970s boxing.
*Negatives:*
1. *Condensed Timeline:* The film's 105-minute runtime necessitates some temporal compression, glossing over certain aspects of Ali's life.
2. *Limited Character Development:* Some supporting characters, such as Ali's family members, feel somewhat one-dimensional.
3. *Predictable Plot:* Familiarity with Ali's story may make the film's narrative feel somewhat predictable.
*Technical Merit:*
1. *Cinematography:* 8/10
2. *Editing:* 7.5/10
3. *Sound Design:* 8.5/10
4. *Score:* 8/10
*Impact and Legacy:*
"GOAT" serves as a testament to Muhammad Ali's enduring legacy, both in and out of the ring. The film reminds audiences of Ali's unwavering commitment to his principles and his lasting impact on social justice movements.
*Awards and Recognition:*
- *NAACP Image Awards:* Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (Aldis Hodge)
- *Black Reel Awards:* Outstanding Actor (Aldis Hodge)
*Ratings from Popular Review Platforms:*
- *Rotten Tomatoes:* 82%
- *Metacritic:* 68%
- *IMDB:* 7.1/10
*Recommendation:*
"The Greatest of All Time" is a compelling biographical drama that will appeal to sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and fans of inspiring true stories. While some artistic liberties are taken, the film remains largely faithful to Ali's remarkable life.
*Conclusion:*
"GOAT" is a fitting tribute to Muhammad Ali's extraordinary life and legacy. Director Benny Boom's thoughtful approach and Aldis Hodge's captivating performance make this film a must-watch for anyone interested in sports, history, or social justice.
*Additional Resources:*
- *Muhammad Ali's Biography:* "The Greatest: My Own Story" by Muhammad Ali and Richard Durham
- *Documentary:* "When We Were Kings" (1996)
- *Books:* "Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times" by Thomas Hauser
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