I felt nothing for the boxer Sonny. He was arrogant, he had no charm, manners, charisma or personality, and he cheated on his wife, and even cheated in the boxing ring. How the hell could you have sympathy for a character like this? Why make a movie about a boxer who is not likeable?
And what made it even worse - the boxing scenes were the most terrible I've ever seen in a boxing movie. I didnt know who was punching who. They were shot in a crappy MTV video style.
I hated everything about this movie. Casting is terrible. Rhames plays an 18 to 33 year old, while his weather-and what-not beaten features clearly show his age. Ali looks more like Gaddafi, plot doesn't exist, mucis is inapropriate and out of place, and as you say, amateur filmed fights are one of the worst in the history of boxing movies. I even find Rocky IV more realistic. I expected a lot more of this movie, I loved Ali and Cinderella Man, as well as some flicks from the Rocky series. Man, even Carnera The Walking Mountain is better, with that gimp in the role of Primo.
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I think you are been unfair on a man who had a terrible upbringing, little or no education and lived and died in poverty. Liston's wife continued to tend his grave until she died and was devoted to him, so he must have had some redeeming qualities. I remember reading that when he won the title he was really excited thinking that he would now be accepted by the general public. He talked on the plane home how he was sure there would be a civic reception to great him and give him a hero's welcolme like other returning heavyweight champs received. Well the plane landed and not one person was there Sonny was crushed and humilated, those close to him say he never got over it. I thought that was very sad. RIP Sonny you were once the heavyweight champ of the world and nobody can take that away from you.
shareHe was the Mike Tyson of his day. The catholic priest could be likened to Cos D'Amato. Even though Sonny was a thug, you have to feel for a guy with his upbringing and the racism of the time. He's definitely a tragic figure
And yes, this movie was godawful. No excuse, even if it was low budget. The worst actors were hired and the directors should never work again.
How can you mess up a boxing movie?
look at raging bull, we're supposed to hate lamotta in that movie, and its still a classic
sharewell if the movie was that bad than they should have let Spike Lee pull it off. Ill c for myself tho b/c Im dL'g it right now & will b back to review
"You make your life what it is but there's always a point where fate steps in"
It is a movie about Sonny Liston, a guy that not too many people liked. So no surprise that you didn't like him. Were they supposed to make into a hero?
Agree the boxing scenes were not the best. But this movie was more about Liston's struggle for acceptance.