PHIL vs BILL
Despite being British and a woman, the director of this tribute to Muhammad Ali scarcely sheds new light on the king of the ring. It is an affectionate, moving and skilfully etched portrait of his triumphs and trials, as told by his family, friends, other members of his entourage and his own audio recordings. But in glossing over Ali’s darker side, it risks being more hagiography than biography – and the subject and his fans deserve better. However, I Am Ali is still a compelling and intelligent look at the legend, being as much about blows he took outside the ring as inside. Extras are limited to interviews that didn’t make the final cut. -- Phil Wakefield.