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Jaalen Best impresses as Muhammad Ali in uneven biographical series
Developing story first seen 12 hours ago
The review says Jaalen Best delivers a star-making performance as Cassius Clay, capturing his personality without simply imitating him. It finds Amazon’s authorised series ambitious and often impressive, while acknowledging that it is uneven and presents Ali sympathetically.
The eight-episode first season begins with Clay winning gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics and returning to Louisville intent on turning professional. His brother Rudy backs him, while his parents disagree over whether he is ready and who should manage him; trainer Angelo Dundee and heavyweight Sonny Liston also feature. The series explores how Ali’s race, religion and outspoken views put him at odds with established forces in boxing and America.
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In short
- Jaalen Best is the review’s standout as Cassius Clay.
- The authorised eight-episode series is ambitious but uneven.
- It places Ali’s rise against resistance from boxing and society.
How this story developed
- 4 hours ago The review adds that the series frames Clay’s rise against resistance rooted in race, religion and his outspoken views, while portraying his family’s doubts and support, his search for a team, and an imperfect Ali with sympathy.
- 4 hours ago Amazon’s eight-part authorised series follows Cassius Clay from his 1960 Olympic triumph to his bid to turn professional, with Jaalen Best praised for capturing Clay’s character and the review finding the portrayal ambitious but uneven.
Explained simply
Cassius Clay, who later became known as Muhammad Ali, won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics. After returning to his home city of Louisville, Kentucky, he set out to become a professional boxer. His family disagreed over whether he was ready and who should guide his career.
Trainer Angelo Dundee helped shape Clay’s rise, while heavyweight champion Sonny Liston became a major rival. Clay later changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam, and his public views on race, religion and the Vietnam War brought him into conflict with authorities and parts of the boxing establishment. His career is remembered both for his achievements in the ring and for his role in wider debates in the United States.
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Originally published by The Hollywood Reporter as “‘The Greatest’ Review: Jaalen Best Gives a Star-Making Performance in Amazon’s Uneven but Impressive Muhammad Ali Series”.