Big George Foreman

There have been just about as many films with a boxing theme, whether they be based on a true story or fiction, as there has been so many other genres in Hollywood. People have such a fascination with these films that Hollywood seems to release at least one a year. The films are aplenty: "Rocky", "Creed", "Raging Bull", "Ali", "Southpaw", "The Fighter" to mention a handful. So, now to add to that quickly growing list is "Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World". I labeled the review with the shorter title to save room. 

This film is based on the remarkable true story of one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances. Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman (Khris Davis) channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist in 1968 Mexico and World Heavyweight Champion trained by his mentor and friend, Doc Broadus (Forest Whitaker). This was all followed by a near death experience after a heart attack that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when, at 45 years of age, he sees himself and his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman, after 10 years out of the ring, returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most probable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever. 

Others to round out the cast are Jasmine Mathews as Mary Joan, Sullivan Jones as Muhammed Ali, John Magaro as Desmond, Sonja Sohn as Nancy Foreman, Shein Mompremier as Paula, Lawrence Gilliard Jr. as Archie Moore, Eric Hansen as George Colton, Delon Smith as Roy Foreman, Matthew Glave as Howard Cosell and Sam Trammell as Rev. Virdell Stokes. 

This was powerfully directed by George Tillman Jr. ("Scenes for the Soul" '95, Soul Food" '97, "Men of Honor" 2000, "Notorious" '09, "Faster" '10, "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete" '13, "The Longest Ride" '15, Love is a Four-Letter Word" (TV movie) '15, "The Hate U Give" '18) plus TV and a short. By his very resume, this filmmaker knows his way around directing his actors. the intense transformation Davis had to journey from meager beginnings, to winning gold, to his first boxing title, to finding God, to losing his fortune, and then reestablishing himself to win back his title was sheer incredible acting, but it was undoubtedly talented directing for this actor to be at that place where he could showcase the different aspects of Foreman's life effectively. Considering the limited writing experience by Frank Baldwin ("Cold Pursuit" '19) plus TV and George Tillman Jr. ("Scenes for the Soul" '95, "Soul Food" '97) plus shorts, this was an incredibly well written piece of work. It was based on screen story by Dan Gordon, Baldwin and Tillman Jr There were a couple of places of choppiness within the script, and although this was written well and accurately, these writers clearly took the 'safe' route and the screenplay wasn't one that would cause you to think about this story for very much longer after you leave the multiplex. Don't get me wrong, this shows us a George Foreman that most of us have probably never seen, and I have high praise for that, however, it would've been nice to see this script leap more off the page to its audience. 

Surely, if you're into biopics, this is one that will please; it simply just needed a bit more polish. One thing I can say, I do have an element of more respect for Foreman after seeing this film. This man led an interesting life what with the Olympics, the boxing career, his stint as a preacher and mentor. Both Davis and Whitaker gave riveting performances as boxer and trainer respectively, and might possibly see nods when Oscar time comes along. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                          Rated: PG-13                                         129mins.