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

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1:31:34

Casting What-Ifs

Will Smith initially resisted the role until Ali personally asked; Denzel Washington is considered and rejected as to...

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

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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. — Bill Simmons

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1:32:54

Recasting Couch

Spike Lee as director; Oliver Stone; James Toney as a performance swap

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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. — Bill Simmons

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1:33:30

Half-Assed Internet Research

Smith as an Ali pallbearer, Smith and Mann contributing salaries after the budget overrun, Ali visiting the set, and ...

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

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

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

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1:40:00

Picking Nits

Reversed Ellis Quarry/MLK chronology; disputed Cosell Supreme Court notification; missing date cards; Ali’s too-fast ...

Reversed Ellis Quarry/MLK chronology; disputed Cosell Supreme Court notification; missing date cards; Ali’s too-fast Zaire speech

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

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

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1:43:01

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Why didn’t more boxers try Liston’s glove trick? Did Liston throw the second fight?

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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. — Bill Simmons

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1:44:58

Best Double Feature

When We Were Kings and Malcolm X

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

When We Were Kings is selected first. — Chris Ryan
Malcolm X is independently selected. — Chris Ryan

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