The Last Round: Chuvalo vs Ali (2003) Reviews

• refreshing/ poignant/class

  x1100cc2005-01-29

  This film may be a bit slow paced but the up close look at a man who has more class and character than maybe the entire white house reminds you of the possibilities. Chuvalo is one in a million, great man, tough fighter, wish he was American, Ali is the one and only. Worth it just to get first hand feeling for world class, classic men/athletes. Also a nice collection of vignettes from the sports shows of the sixties. A few interesting shots of various training regimens, Deeply poignant vintage dressing room and travel shots. Lots of beautiful stuff in this movie but Chuvalo is the star. You'll come away with renewed belief in human spirit.

• Chuvalo deserves a better documentary

  marcapollonio2012-12-07

  The characters carry this film. Chuvalo is huge: sometimes modest, sometimes arrogant, funny & ready to fight. The Ali footage in Toronto is great. On the other hand, I've never witnessed a movie so compromised by its soundtrack. Moments of drama - passionate speeches or battles in the ring - are trivialized by swanky sax and piano tinkling. It gives the film the feel of a televised public announcement. What a mistake. Also, strange that it starts off with The Tragically Hip's So Hard Done By, (a dank rock song) to be followed by reams of lounge jazz. Strange choices made here. The interviews were great, the footage too. It could all have been worked into something more compelling.