Friday, July 9, 2010

Muhammad and Larry

Bradley Kaplan took never seen documentary footage taken by the Maysles brothers in 1980 in the days leading up to the Ali/Holmes fight that ended the Great One's career. The two boxer's, who held mutual respect for each other, couldn't be any different as far as boxer's go as Ali, although in his twilight, was still as cocky and brazen as ever and Holmes was simple, and mild mannered (I liked how he told the camera that he only needed one house). As the fight drew nearer, it becomes clear that Ali was in no shape to fight, as his body showed signs of failing and his friends, family, doctors, and trainers told him to quit the fight. The film paints a great portrait of both fighters as well as others in their life then and now. Muhammad and Larry is a wonderful entry and one of the best in the 30 for 30 series.
***1/2