FROM RUNNING NUMBERS TO 'THE RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE', FROM ALI TO TYSON, DON KING WOULDN'T ALWAYS FIGHT CLEAN, HE WOULDN'T ALWAYS FIGHT FAIR, BUT HE WOULD ALWAYS FIGHT TO WIN.
Powerful! This is an untold story of Don King. While the credits states the sources for this production are books, articles and public records; it is a wonderful account of the man of the way in which he thinks. Seeing so many actors acting as themselves in this movie is a real treat. Also seeing some other lesser known black figures in the movie such as Lou Rawls is also a treat. My only wish for this movie is that at the end when Don King is speaking it should have faded to a photo of the real Don King. However, Ving Rhames does a wonderful job!
David M. (bigdaddyhorse) from ANN ARBOR, MI Reviewed on 2/28/2010...
An absolute under-rated and way too un-known masterwork on the part of Ving Rhames. He IS Don King this, is. I recall when I caught this the first time on original broadcast, I literally thought they were mixing documentary footage with actors, as Ving as modern Don was so spot on (early Don was probably close, but I didn't know of him and the hair down made a different look). Finally caught back up with this a few months ago, first time since my VHS died in 2000. Held up great. Great mix of comedy and drama with a bit of everything else thrown in for flavor. Worth tracking down now while it cheap and unknown. This should be a cult classic someday!
Movie Reviews
Easily, one of the best performances,best films,don't resist
Michael Cellio | rochester, new hampshire USA | 06/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"it's been a long time, since i've bothered to write a review, seems these days, movies are all so, normal, nothing unique about them, it's sad really, this film, is unique, I relate this film to scarface, as well as blowing me away, ving rhames, makes you believe he is the great don himself, he took on the mob, and he lived, and he killed a man, and beat it, then he killed another, and he got misdeamanor, the man is a icon, one of the greatest showboats, to have ever lived, he's also very intelligent, and it's true, he shouldn't have got such a bad rep, but baby, that sells, violence, sex, crime, it all sells,the media, you know, this film is a 100 stars, if you don't see this, then I pity you, if you say this movie is ..., like reviewer number one, then your an ..., this film is brilliant, a masterpiece, this film is also almost out of print, obviously, like divinci, a true artist, isn't respected till he is gone, wan't a real world example? look at tupac shakur, when don is gone, no one will ever be like him again, so relish, his kinglyness, and buy this video, before it is, to late."
I wish I could give this movie 10 stars.
staton | Richmond, VA United States | 04/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have never seen a movie where the main character was portrayed with this kind of realism. I thought it actually WAS Don King the first time I saw this movie. Ving Rhames should have won Oscars, Emmys, and every kind of conceivable award for his portrayal of Don King. I mean he even has the voice inflections and mannerisms of Don King down to such a science it is unreal. I have never seen an actor portray anyone that well. I wish I could give this movie 10 stars. Ving Rhames IS Don King, from beginning to end. The man should have won an Oscar and an Emmy. I can't emphasize ENOUGH how well Ving Rhames plays Don King. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this movie."
A GREAT FILM
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 06/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ving Rhames should have gotten every award in 97 for this Gem.He was DON KING&that isn't easy.DOn King is One OF Sports Most Interesting People Ever.He was Marketing Product Long Before People had a Term for it.He Understood what worked for whomever was His Fighter at the Moment was.He said it best if their wasn't a Him they Hollywood would have too Create One.Love Him or Loath Him You Have Too Acknowledge His Impact on Society.Just the Electric Chair Hair Alone.The FIlm had a Solid Cast Very Well Done."
King of Promotions
D. S. Kivoi | Miami Beach | 01/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can watch (and I try) this movie everyday. If you are in the game of promotions its a must have especially if you are a minority or Jewish. It shows what real hustle is all about. Sure many people have a lot of negative opinions of the King but check most people don't really know his story. At the end of the day what i came away with this movie is that you have to fight for what you want it will not be handed out freely. When you have to compete with people with more money and education amongst other things they not playing fair and when you play by their rules you are the bad guy. Don King just mastered the game the created and he beat them at it by any means necessary and i for one am not mad at him. If he had not been to aggressive we would know about Don King because they would not have cut him in. The man is no saint but he ain't the devil either he is human. This movie shows the affects of what hard work and success does to a human being- It can make you hard. I loved this movie the casting is great!!! SUPERB. Darius and Ving did a hell of a job!! so did Bernie Mac... I actually thought Darius was more believable then Will Smith ( will was not bad just that Darius captured Ali better). Great cast, great music Banging Movie."