Big George Foreman (2023) User Reviews

First watch Facing Ali(2009), then watch this boxing biopic based on George Foreman's life.

[Vivekmaru45 · 7/10 · 19 May 2023]

I have a great admiration and respect for George Foreman. Having lost the World Heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali, his comeback story is one that begs to be seen. Having almost died after a boxing match, George credited his resurrection to Jesus and became a preacher and preached on the streets first. Due to financial problems from mishandling of his funds, George was forced to get back into the ring one last time.

There's a title fight between Tommy Morrision(the real-life boxer who starred in Rocky V 1990) and Foreman that you should see. Shannon Briggs, Tommy Morrison, Evander Holyfield, Jimmy Young, and Muhammad Ali are the five boxers who have beaten Foreman. Foreman's last fight I believe was with Shannon Briggs. Briggs won by a majority decision(MD). In a total of 81 fights, George has won an incredible 76 and losing only five times. Had he boxed more this record could've been huge. He was a huge powerhouse of a boxer and only a very few could withstand his punches.

The movie deals with Foreman's life as a youngster, quickly moving into his boxing career where he faced the likes of Joe Frazier. The Muhammad Ali match dubbed the "Rumble In The Jungle" is the highlight. I believe the real actual whole match is available free to see online if you are an enthusiast. I watched Facing Ali that showed actual highlights from the fight so I did not care to see the full fight. The movie's acting, directing, sound-effects and music are top-notch. Khris Davis plays Big George and Sullivan Jones plays Ali. I thought Jones was terrific in his portrayal of the brash and arrogant Muhammad Ali dubbed "The Mouth Of The South".

Verdict: it's way better than Creed 3(2023) and of course it's based on the true life story of a "real-life" boxer.

Other boxing movies: Dempsey(1983), Brutal Glory(1989), Gladiator(1992), Fighting Tommy Riley(2004), Cinderella Man(2005).

Thanks for reading this review and as Mister Spock says, live long and prosper.

Almost great, but that third act really rushes things

[Andrew426 · 7/10 · 30 April 2023]

Finally a biographical pic on one of the most inspirational boxers of the century! I'd be lying if I wasn't hyped as hell to watch Big George, and for the most part it was exactly what I wanted!

Unfortunately, the third act was when things started to get a bit iffy, following Foremans decade long hiatus from boxing. I don't expect the film to broadcast EVERY single one of Foremans fights, but they really rushed his comeback. The training was all fine, but the Holyfield and Moorer fights were really downplayed, to the point that they used stock footage for Holyfield v Foreman. And then suddenly we are dropped into the Moorer fight with perhaps little to no buildup whatsoever. And then the film just kind of ends all of a sudden. The pacing took an absolute nosedive.

On a side note, the Jamaican accent that Foreman's wife uses was shockingly bad and killed any seriousness in a scene with her in it.

Beyond those issues, and perhaps a bit of an intrusive soundtrack at times, this is as good of a George Foreman biopic as you could ask for.

So Far, Very Underappreciated In My Estimation

[TheAnimalMother · 7/10 · 19 May 2023]

Wow, I'm also very surprised as to how few people have gone to see this in the theatre. It really is a very real, and very inspiring story. It's far too real for many of the critics it seems. Many of them seem to want heartless and flashy nowadays, or overdramatic films with a much more unrealistic heart. There's none of that here, and I'd rather watch more grounded films like this any day of the week. Personally I really didn't care much for the bloated, semi-factual and overly choppily directed Elvis film from 2022. I strongly preferred this much more real feeling story.

I still remember the night Foreman became the Heavyweight Champion of the World for the 2nd time. It was pretty much all anyone was talking about for the next while. How could it even happen? He inspired a ton of old people and a ton of kids as well. To me, Ali and Foreman are truly among histories most inspirational athletes, and more than that, just very inspirational people. They were real however, they both had flaws, but for the most part, both of them successfully overcame many of their shortcomings as well. Both men in fact did it while being greatly inspired by their faith. The film does seem a little rushed at times, as it likely needed to be. When we're dealing with a real persons life, and trying to fit all of the most important parts into a film, that just often has to be the way. Otherwise you end up with a film that's way too long. All in all, I'm certainly glad I went and saw this. Thank you George, for sharing your very inspiring story.

7/10.

Informative Biopic

[ThereelscoopwithKK · 7/10 · 9 May 2023]

Overall the movie does a very good job taking the viewer through the life of George Foreman who is often overshadowed by Muhammed Ali. The movie takes its time walking the audience through the major stages of his life and from my knowledge is quite historically accurate. As for the entertainment value it doesn't pack the same punch as the fictional Creed movies and the fight scenes lack the flare of those in Creed or Rocky , but the movie is not as much about Foreman's boxing career solely as it is more about the man's journey through life.

His accomplishments in the ring are no doubt impressive, but the story of how he arrived there is perhaps more interesting. Certainly a must see movie for any fan of boxing history , but it probably won't connect with viewers who have never heard of George Foreman before. It also lacks some of the glitz and glamour of other boxing movies which could lead some viewers to view it less favorably.

A great story about a great man.

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 28 April 2023]

My knowledge of Big George Foreman accumulates to two things as a child of the 90s: His name is on the greatest cooking device ever made and he started the trend of middle-aged men proving that they still got it. All that was enough to paek my interest in learning about the rest.

Of course, I'm aware of his big fight with Muhammad Ali but this has to be the first movie that told the story from his perspective (Not surprising sense he did not have the favorable outcome). I learned a lot about Foreman that was really inspiring. It was also a great boxing movie, absolutely a great contender for one of the best sports movies ever made, which surprises me how low key its release was.

It's covering a lot so it goes by a little too fast, but the Info is solid and engaging. Forest Whitaker and Sona Sohn are the only two recognizable names but the dude who plays Foreman himself was absolutely excellent in the role. The physically transformation from becoming 19-year Foreman to 45-year-old Foreman was worthy of an Oscar nod at least (if you believe what they say about winning an Oscar) Big George Forman throughs a good punch.

Uplifting movie

[dombernetti · 7/10 · 29 April 2023]

I never knew the story of George foreman but it really was an inspiring and uplifting to watch. To see George's upbringing and dealing with his angry and challenges as a child and into his adult life was encouraging and fun to watch him start to succeed. The acting was solid and I personally had a strong attachment to the main character that you see his development from a boy to a man. His nature of giving back and self exploration was captured really well and had you rooting for him every step of the way. Watching his ups and downs and struggles was truly inspiring and thought the movie captured it well.

A Remarkable And Eventful Life

[stevendbeard · 7/10 · 7 May 2023]

I saw Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World, starring Khris Davis-Atlanta_tv, Judas and the Black Messiah; Forest Whitaker-Empire_tv, Black Panther; Jasmine Matthews-The Tomorrow War, The Rookie_tv and Sullivan Jones-The Gilded Age_tv, Harlem_tv.

This movie is based on the true story of George Foreman and his rise to becoming the heavyweight champion of the world in boxing-it's all in the title-and he did it twice. The second time he was 45 years old which is a record for the sport. Khris plays George, who grew up in Houston, Texas-although the movie was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana-and he had a remarkable and an eventful life, from being a boxer to turning to religion and becoming a preacher. Forest plays his trainer and Jasmine plays his 4th-and current-wife. Most people know some things about his life-he had all his male children named George and his daughter named Georgette-but it is an entertaining ride with a few things you may not have known. They cover pretty much all of the highlights, such as his bouts with Joe Fraser and Muhammad Ali. Sullivan plays Muhammad Ali.

It's rated PG-13 for sports violence and has a running time of 2 hours & 9 minutes.

It's not one that I would buy on DVD-I'm not a big sports fan-but if you are a boxing fan, you should enjoy it and it would be a good one to stream.

Wow, what an amazing story and journey.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 9/10 · 18 May 2023]

I sure learned a lot from this biographical film, and Foreman's story is like one of those fictional underdog Hollywood films, but it's true. It doesn't get much better than that. All casting and performances where excellent, especially Sullivan Jones who emulated Muhammad Ali perfectly. Even though the pacing felt a little slow at times, the 129 min runtime still flew by with the many vast sub-plots that contributed to Foreman's life story. The screenplay had great fluidity and cohesiveness to it, and was very easy to follow, albeit a little reserved. My only complaint was that I felt the action/fight sequences were filmed underwhelmingly, and could've used more dramatics and better choreography. Plus I felt they were a little too short and rushed, and the focus was more on the story than the action. I'm ok with that, because I wasn't expecting a Rocky or Creed film, but the biographical story of a legendary human being, and that's exactly what I got.

Big George, This Is Your Life

[beehawl · 7/10 · 28 April 2023]

This movie covers George Foreman's life from his childhood to regaining the world heavyweight championship later in life. Foreman has had a pretty incredible life, which is why it's difficult to cover it in a two hour movie. Many seminal moments and important people in his life (besides his mother and boxing coach) seem a bit like a blur as we hurry from one important event to the next. For what it is, it's a pretty enjoyable movie with a strong performance, if a bit one dimensional, from the lead actor Khris Davis. Although brief, the boxing sequences were well done and intense. Not a fan of these bio-pics stylistically, but this is one of the better attempts to cover a rollercoaster of a life.

Most of the life of George Foreman.

[TxMike · 5 September 2023]

I live in Houston, George Foreman was born and raised in Houston. So I have a natural connection to his story, and this movie. Plus I am a few years older than Foreman, I remember the 1968 Olympics where as a teenager he won the Gold medal in boxing, defeating a highly favored Russian boxer. And walking around the ring afterwards holding the tiny USA flag in one hand. I also remember him from commercials selling the George Foreman Grill.

However I really didn't know anything about his upbringing in a rough neighborhood, Houston's Fifth Ward, his dropping out of high school, his joining the Job Corps for training, and how he got attracted to boxing in the first place. This movie is well-made and it covers all that and more.

It also shows that Foreman is a good example of a highly paid professional athlete who trusts another person to take care of his wealth, invest for him wisely, but doesn't take an interest in auditing his finances periodically. Poor money management is what led him to hawk his Foreman Grill and to return to prize fighting even after he became a preacher. He needed to pay the bills.

On a positive note, in 1999 he sold his interest in the Foreman Grill for $137 Million, so he came out of that pretty well. And the movie touches on the initial rivalry with Ali that eventually turned into a life-long friendship between the two.

George Foreman is an interesting fellow, this movie is worth watching. I saw it at home on DVD from my public library, my wife skipped because she is not a fan of boxing.

A decent story doesn't always make a good film.

[chris_rowe-881-168820 · 4/10 · 30 April 2023]

I expected a lot from this, I was excited to see the story play out, I've seen many boxing/cage fighting films and I also like learning about people I don't know much about.

He had a rough start but so many people do but he has a loving family and a sweet relationship with his sister but immediately this film felt slow and bland, more like a tv doc than a film, but thought it'll pick up.

It doesn't, it's very slow moving, the characters are naff, I know they're based on real people but they don't translate too well on the big screen. Everything's just extremely average and no one is impressing you.

It almost feels like this would've been better as s 2 part doc on espn or sky, as a film although the story sounds interesting it really isn't, moves from one thing to another, very little resistance, he does what he wants and no one really matters to him deep down, his family do but the wives and children not so much.

The boxing screens are generally rubbish, the fights have zero excitement, just nothing, I found myself dozing off constantly, I mean considering he was involved in putting this together it's just so bland. George has nothing remotely likeable about him, he's a bit simple, that's it, he shows no personality throughout, nothing that'll get you talking,

It's just genuinely boring, you don't feel like your on the journey, just feels like your watching a documentary, there's nothing hear that would make me recommend this.

Dull, slow, pointless, delusional and boyubgv by ggg by.

Very Much Inspirational

[shelbythuylinh · 9/10 · 30 April 2023]

Great acting and how that it may not win awards or that over in the critics viewpoint on it. But that George Foreman had such a very hard life growing up and that he at first didn't want anything to do with God. Would you believe that?!

Due to not having a father and growing up in beyond poverty and his mother wanting him to turn his life around. All he ever did good in his words is that over in boxing. He fought to stay alive but it was in the Jobs Corps and Forest Whitaker's character saved him from a life of crime that he was doing to begin with.

After a personal crisis, he turns his life around and quits boxing and marries his second wife that he is still married to. And becomes a preacher. That is an answer to his mother's prayers. But after financial hardships, he reluctantly returns with the reluctant agreement with his wife.

He also sells grills and also in the setting his family up for life. Just really a great movie. No cursing nor that much violence except for the boxing matches. Go see it.

The story is compelling, but the film lacks some character.

[ethanbresnett · 6/10 · 29 April 2023]

George Foreman is a hugely impressive man, of that there is no question. What he achieved in the sport of boxing is truly phenomenal and deserves to be committed to film. However, a remarkable life does not necessarily make a remarkable film, and that is painfully evident with this biopic.

For a two hour film it feels excruciatingly long. The pace is ploddy and lethargic and it is a real chore at times. There's a lack of creative or visual flair in the filmmaking which doesn't help with this issue. The boxing sequences are also relatively flat which doesn't help either.

In terms of the story, it is very interesting. I knew next to nothing about Big George before watching this film, so learning about his rise in boxing was really interesting, but the story isn't overly well told. It zips past too many areas and lingers in others for too long. It is always difficult with a biopic deciding which areas to focus on across an entire life, and I don't think this one gets it quite right.

I wasn't entirely convinced with the lead performance either. Khris Davis is a fine actor I'm sure but too often he just felt off. I can't put my finger on it but it just doesn't work.

Quite often the tone felt off as well. The initial half an hour or so was incredibly cheesy, with really quite poor dialogue.

As negative as all of that sounds, I did enjoy this film. It isn't overly well made and feels pretty clunky in parts, but it's hard to ignore how fun and engaging the story is. When you have such a brilliantly interesting man at the centre of your biopic, it's hard not to make a compelling film. Despite its lack of flair, this is still a solidly engaging biopic.

Nothing new here

[mickceline · 2/10 · 20 May 2023]

So if your watching this movie to gleam some new information about George's life, you'll be disappointed bar the first few minutes about his childhood growing up. After that the film just tells of his boxing history which in of itself isn't too bad until the movie takes a hard left into religion. The problem here isn't that George was a religious man, the problem is the movie wants to explain divine intervention into his life. At times I felt I was watching a propaganda movie for the Christian church. This movie had so much promise given this great sportsman's life but fails to give us anything we didn't know.

big life, little movie

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 22 May 2023]

It's a straight forward biopic of boxing champ George Foreman. He grew up poor, hungry and angry in Houston. Her single mom (Sonja Sohn) struggled to raise him and his siblings in their tough Houston neighborhood. He finds a mentor in Doc Broadus (Forest Whitaker) who leads him to boxing. He becomes champ, but it all comes crashing down in his loss to Ali. He becomes a preacher, but financial trouble sends him back to the ring in an unbelievable climb back to the top.

George Foreman has had a legendary life. It's an all-American underdog life full of ups and downs. On the other hand, the movie is very standard. It's a very straight telling of his story. I do like all the actors here especially every different George Foremans. Sometimes, his story gets very compelling and very emotional. He may be a famous dope, but he's the dope we love.

Great Story About A Remarkable Man & A Good Film

[GalAlba · 6/10 · 18 May 2023]

The writing/direction/acting is okay but lacks the gravitas/eloquence needed to make it a great film; which is disappointing. Nevertheless due to the remarkable and fascinating story at hand this still has turned out a good watchable film; but it could have been great. Once again it's ok, it isn't bad. Everybody involved does an ok job but the man and the story deserved better.

It's primarily let down by The script and the direction. But once again this isn't a bad film it is a good film. You are gripped because the man's life is so engrossing.

The film is probably a six but I have given it a seven because the man himself deserves that respect.

Once again it's a good watch but it could have been great.

An inspirational story that lacks a directional punch on this outing!

[ta-98251 · 6/10 · 28 April 2023]

As a combat sports fan, I was really looking forward to this movie. It tells the story of George Forman's life and career both in and outside of the ring but it lacked an emotional punch.

The film showed us enough material to provide us with an interesting story on screen but it didn't offer the viewer much else.

The in ring training and fight scenes didn't seem particularly convincing and even if you put that down to watching 'large heavyweight boxers', the wider acting didn't seem particularly inspired. Some aspects of Foreman's life are touched on so quickly or lightly that they end up feeling like generic story beats as opposed something that Foreman's actually experienced and/or dealt with.

There is still something to be had for combat sport fans, fans of George Foreman or maybe even those who have never come across his story. I just wish I could have enjoyed how the story was told alongside what was told.

Big George: Delivering a Big Character Developing Punch

[rgkarim · 7/10 · 29 April 2023]

LIKES

Lots of Aspects of His Life -The movie is one of those films that does a great job portraying the complex life of these athletes and what they achieved.

-While it does not touch everything, George's movie is really good about showing so much of what this man did in his time as a boxer.

-Seeing his ups and downs were well paced and planned out, keeping the hard times balanced with the good times without getting too slogged down.

-Seeing how he rose to what he became, why he did it, and the multiple facets of his life, was quite cool and very informative, meaning I learned about the man I thought simply a boxer/grill seller.

-That's one of the strongest aspects of this movie for me and worth a view on its own.

-Yes, there might be some Hollywood bias, but hey, those elements add fun to the movie and a little spice to move me.

Strong Messages -The movie surprisingly has a lot more past just being a sports movie, another surprise.

-Tied in with his life, if not a tad dramatic, the messages are incorporated with his character development and story without sticking too far out like a sore thumb.

-I love the message personally, others may not, but the fact it is so tied to his life and used as means for improving him as a person really helps this movie stand out and feel very good with my journey through this nearly 90 minute time frame.

-And when you have those relatable content, and enjoy the lessons, it added something to me for the movie.

-Again for a character portrayal, those elements really make these movies shine and stand out for me, and I agree with how well they did this.

Some of The Fights -There are moments that this movie feels like those sports dramas and makes an engaging fight.

-These moments pulled me into the entire spectacle, the crowds, the mentality, the fans watching at home, and the fighter itself pulling you into delivering the hammer of the boxing match.

-George Foreman's tale has about two fights that I think are the wow factor for me, maybe three, managing to find that element of movie magic with reality and blend them together to make things the heavyweight punch that I like to see.

-There is a story element to these films I appreciate and find that all the fights do have that story component, but two in particular are the complete package.

The Recreation Of The setting -You know I'm a sucker for making the past come to life in the present if you are going to make the movie about that decade.

-For George Foreman, that aspect is a big check in my book. You are going through the decades and seeing so much of it unfold in the use of several things they chose.

-The costumes to a lot of the lifting, the ever changing fashions, alongside the hair, look and makeup really paving the way to believe that we have taken more steps into the past.

-Next comes the props and the buildings, arranged, designed, or perhaps chosen to look like something you would see from the magazines. All these small devices are, dare I say, seemingly bland, but really add up to the immersion and help keep me believing we are temporarily in that time period again.

-And the camera filters I thought I noticed changed up, which keeps the modern look mostly, but adds these tinges that help further give that pop of the past that I particularly like to see when it comes to use of technology.

Acting is Good -A movie about figures requires people to well, play those characters help us feel like we are living with them in this movie.

-It's not the most mind blowing acting, but it's pretty good with what they achieved and the little groups that formed over the time of the movie.

-Taking the top three actors, we go with Sullivan Jones, playing Ali. I think he got the attitude, the pride, the mouth, and the movements of the legend himself and found that I'm quite impressed of him for the time he is on the screen, (which I would have liked more of).

-Jasmine Mathews comes in about halfway through the movie, and once she is in, is an amazing co-actress that really drives it home and plays well with the character she is plasying. There is sass, passion, and dare I say some blended balance that works to drive the movie, and I really enjoyed her chemistry.

-Of course, Big George is played by Big Khris and I loved what he was able to accomplish in this movie. All facets of the life of Foreman are quite well done by him. Awkward young adults stage, his career, and more are capture pretty well, especially the way he delivers that Foreman manner of speaking, laughing, and just presenting his walk. I was impressed with his skills and chemistry, and is a very major pillar that holds the movie up.

DISLIKES

The Movie Moves Very Quickly -Unfortunately, so many aspects in so little time, means things move very quickly and sometimes lack the full punch.

-Pun aside, the movie covers enough to get the point across, but like Elvis, takes these shortcuts in several montages that do its job, but make the movie feel flat for me.

-Truth, there was a lot to cover, but time management, planning, and even the right medium to tell the tale might have needed more planning before it released.

-Still, the movie has enough of the elements above to mitigate this, some moments getting a proper balance for me that it helps keep things moving and engaging enough.

The Fights Are So-So -The movie again suffers from this inconsistency of magic with reality, making this movie a little tough to wrap my head around in terms of the score to give it.

-You want realism and a movie that captures the nature of the sport? Then I think it works, because Big George Foreman, despite having some fights that dip into the theatrics, sticks to the guns of feeling like I'm watching a match on the set.

-It's got simple punches, a laid out choreography to mimic the match, and little more in terms of gusto for that feel of recreating history.

-However, it lacks finesse and that movie magic like Creed, Warrior, and Rocky missing those elements I love with a good fight movie. Sure the realism is nice, but several things for me needed a little smudging to be the powerhouse I went to see.

-Again, you want the realism, it works, but for those expecting a Creed like battle of the titans, you might want to temper your expectations.

Character Use: -There is a lot of people in George's life, and sadly they did not all get adequate time.

-Big George Foreman is of course about the man, and they accomplish that, but build up for a lot of things in the start sort of petered out and fell to the wayside, conveniently showing up as a plot device later.

-I know you need time, but still so many things kind of fizzed to the wayside for how much they covered, and several arcs I liked were not handled the best in my opinion.

The Preachiness: -A religion movie is tough to get around this, and most of the movie accomplishes this very well.

-There are some asides where it loses that though, and gets a tad sermon like (both intentional and unintentional) to get in the way of the real message that my favorite pastors have done.

-It's kept mostly in check and pulls back in later, but there is a time where it's a bit in your face and slow, so be warned that if you hate hyperaware religious moments this movie may have a trigger for you.

Predictable: -Going in blind was a blessing, because it was a surprise to see most of his life unfold.

-If you've read Wikipedia, or know of his career, then you know the story and what is coming and that will of course take some of the splendor with it.

-Thus, this movie doesn't have the twists for those looking for it, but relies on the respect of the man you are coming to see or a newbie like me.

THE VERDICT:

Big George Foreman is a movie with a lot of potential and mostly good execution in terms of aesthetic, acting, and feel of realistic boxing. The movie marries religion with sports drama well and helps to define a character and his life rather than just the events. For me, it was successful and hits things very well to take me through a summary of his life and giving me these aha moments to the legacy of George Foreman. Yet, the movie is still not the full picture nor I think the full swing that it needed. Again, so much in a short time frame does little to show the true complexity, and the fact that there is this inconsistent use of Hollywood splendor is a bit annoying for fans like me watching. To see the drama of his life turned to cinema levels, while on the fights we get realistic boxing action, is kind of backwards in my book. Throw in character and pacing issues and you have a film that shows potential to be great at home viewing rather than the theater, or even better a mini series of some sort. Still, the story is worth checking out about this man and I kind of think it's worth that if you can make time. My scores for the film are:

Biography/Sports/Drama: 7.0 Movie Overall: 6.0.

Humble and tough start to a rise then a fall, then a rise to fame again!

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 29 April 2023]

Being a sports and boxing fan and also I consider myself a history buff I just had to watch this "Big George Foreman:The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champ" and I must say it was entertaining, informative and a well done in depth bio pic of the two time heavyweight champion in one big George. From his early and poor start on the tough streets of Houston, Texas to his enrollment in a jobs corp. Training in California one could see that young George was a determined man. To take away some of his temper and street vices he chose boxing and he found his taking as under the right training and work ethic it was then Olympic gold and then on to the heavyweight ranks as he became champ. However as in work and life George had highs and lows, ring losses, money and wife problems. However after his retirement George found calling in a higher power with the good book and he then started his own church. However George a born fighter listens to his heart and captures the world heavyweight championship again with an upset victory. George thru determination, hard work, faith, and luck did it his way. Overall good bio pic highly suggest that any sports history or boxing fan see it.

Never knew My personal Grill is named after a great boxer

[hkpolarbear · 6/10 · 24 May 2023]

I am no fan of boxing but I have to say that this movie showed me the life and path of how a poor kid without a lot of education and resources led him to become one of the world famous heavyweight boxers. Bearing the same level of popularity to Mohammad Ali, Foreman was even more legendary as he turned his life to a preacher. Despite the fame and fortune that he earned from his fights he could turn to face God and Jesus. He used part of the money he made from his fights to run a youth activitiy centre so that kids had a place to consume their energies which was quite respectable. He made his way back to world championship of heavyweight at the end and that is filled with positive energy.

This could've "dramatically" been a lot better! [+49%]

[arungeorge13 · 5/10 · 5 September 2023]

Eorge Foreman's life journey is certainly one that would entice any biopic filmmaker, and director George Tillman Jr. (who previously made Notorious) is a pretty good choice to assign that task. The screenplay (by Frank Baldwin and the director himself), however, does no favours. It hastily runs through various events in Foreman's life, without letting them register in our heads. Each scene plays out like a chapter in a book, but it only seeks to underline specific bullet points. For instance, Foreman getting stuck in a sewer is meant to showcase the difficulties he faced while growing up. There's another instance of kids mocking him at a school for having no lunch to eat. These scenes basically get the point across, but they fail to make us inherently feel the struggle.

When Foreman gets into boxing, which happens over yet another tick-the-list scene, he's immediately shown to win the Olympic gold medal. The conception of the scene and its outcomes have a "Wikipedia reading" feel to them. This is something that's applicable to the entire film. George's first wife enters and exits the picture in just ten minutes or so. And the whole retirement and finding God saga also lacks zest. It's not like they wanted this to be considered full-fledged Christian propaganda, so even this part of Foreman's life is something the writers simply rush through. Financial struggles bring him back to the boxing ring, only for him to complete his intriguing arc. This story could've benefited from some real dramatic heft, as opposed to just conveying the message. Khris Davis' physical transformation is incredible to see, even when the writers don't give him solidly affecting material to work with.

Worth a watch, you learn a thing or two!

[jaxcw · 9/10 · 29 April 2023]

I went to see this as it was released, knew very little about George, but wow, what a man. I was hooked throughout the film, I celebrated with him, cried with him and felt inspired by his life. The characters all have different areas that the film comes back to, helping develop an understanding of George's life.

Without spoiling the plot, I thought after the first hour, 'what else is there to know'? His life changes massively and I would say both halves, although inspirational, look at different journeys. He had such courage and motivation to achieve.

Please give it ago, it's a great piece of art that can be enjoyed by all.

Great history here

[jennylvy-35636 · 7/10 · 28 September 2023]

Khris Davis did a fantastic job here! Such a wonderful story even if you are not an avid boxing fan. Forest Whitaker was fabulous at capturing the emotion in this film. Nothing was over glorified it just felt like a from the heart story of George's journey from a very poor childhood to heavy weight champ... twice! Watching him evolve from a young man slowly finding himself at peace with who he was at 45 years old. We expect this to happen so much sooner, but life has lessons to teach us before we settle with what we are dealt and what we can make of it. He has to work hard to find peace within himself and his story is humbling.

🚩

[nyfree · 2/10 · 29 August 2023]

It's kind of like someone who took notes during Scorsese's Master Class directed a Tommy Wiseau screenplay based off a dinner with a nostalgic George Foreman.

It's 3 act structure as we've always seen it and I'm sure the man's life probably had a lot more in it we could actually connect with, but this movie connects less than cellphones in Alaska. I'd love to believe life is that surface-level for someone, ever... but it just isn't. Comic book movies are more convincing these days. The story reads like something from a barstool at 1:30am that's most likely rooted in fact but has been hit heavy with the nostalgia paintbrush and glosses over everything that makes a story real. I did zero research to check if I'm right, I just doubt anyone making this movie did either... but I'm sure if you watch it you'll see what I mean. The dark night of the soul can be something more than a trope we've heard 10k times that also secretly makes the subject good about themselves.

Very Interesting Story

[strboudouridis-62513 · 7/10 · 20 May 2023]

I didn't know that Forman had such an interesting career. The budget should have been higher with better casting, but Whitaker's presence gives the status the film needs.

The boxing scenes are stiff and static compering to other movies of similar nature but overall, the film is worth watching.

I reckon that if the casting was better and the fighting scenes not as mediocre, the film could have the potential to run for an academy nomination.

I also liked the fact that the makers avoid playing the racial card considering that the story starts in the 50s.

Forest Whitaker, although in a supporting role, sets the tone and offers the quality the film misses to the rest of the cast.