Ebert calls the film long, muted, and closer to a eulogy than a celebration.
One response strongly disagrees and argues that examining the cost of greatness is the biopic’s purpose.

Casting What-Ifs

Will Smith initially resisted the role until Ali personally asked; Denzel Washington is considered and rejected as too small for the heavyweight physicality.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:31:34Read transcript

Smith’s initial refusal and Ali’s personal appeal are discussed.
Denzel Washington is considered but rejected, while Smith’s height is cited as a fit.

Recasting Couch

Spike Lee is the main alternate director, with Oliver Stone also mentioned and James Toney briefly suggested as a performance swap.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:32:54Read transcript

James Toney receives a slight acting-recast case.
Spike Lee and Oliver Stone are discussed as director alternatives.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Research covers Smith as an Ali pallbearer, Smith and Mann contributing salaries after the budget overrun, Ali visiting the set, and Albert Hall’s roles in Ali and Malcolm X.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:33:30Read transcript

Smith was an Ali pallbearer and Smith and Mann reportedly contributed salary money after the overrun.
Ali reportedly visited the set and praised Smith’s imitation.
Albert Hall plays Elijah Muhammad here and the composite Baines in Malcolm X.

Picking Nits

The panel flags reversed Ellis Quarry/MLK chronology, doubts the Cosell Supreme Court notification, wants date cards, and notes Ali’s speech should slow by Zaire.

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:00Read transcript

The Ellis Quarry fight is placed before MLK’s death despite occurring afterward.
The Cosell Supreme Court notification is questioned as dramatic license.
Frazier offering money is defended as true.
The speakers say the movie desperately needed dates.
Smith’s Ali speaks similarly throughout despite real slowing by the Zaire period.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Why more boxers did not try Liston’s glove trick and whether Liston threw the second fight are the questions.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:43:01Read transcript

The glove-contamination tactic prompts the first question.
The second asks whether Liston threw the rematch, with mafia and phantom-punch explanations debated.

Best Double Feature

When We Were Kings and Malcolm X are the two choices.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:44:58Read transcript

When We Were Kings is selected first.
Malcolm X is independently selected.