Wick's Review

Summary - Good 3.0

This well crafted biodoc provides a warts-and-all picture of boxing and cultural phenomenon Iron Mike Tyson. Given his pop prominence and the high quality of the film, Tyson will appeal to non-boxing fans, though not to many women given its subject’s twisted attitudes and rape conviction.

The movie’s unflinching lens into Tyson’s failings and successes doesn’t rise to the level of insight or cultural transcendence. In the end, Iron Mike comes across as just another unfortunate kid ultimately brought low by fame and fortune. In today’s pop culture world, stories like his aren’t that unusual.

Acting - Good 3.0

Tyson sits on a couch talking about Tyson. He does a fine job, even an affecting job. He gets emotional talking about Cus D’Amato and generally delivers an engaging performance.

Cus D’Amato is also heard from in several interview segments, through which a strong sense of the boxing legend is delivered.

Film - Very Good 3.5

Hollywood player James Toback delivers a strong film here, deftly using split screen, replays and other tricks to provide depth and contrast to the story. This is all the more impressive as it becomes clear that the only original footage appears to be Tyson being interviewed while sitting on his couch.

Edge - Risqué 1.6

Much discussion – but no visualization – of sexual conquest, some of which was almost certainly non-consensual. OTOH, boxing violence is shown, including the infamous ear chompings of Evander Holyfield.

Reality - Natural 1.0

The documentary seems to play it straight, showing Tyson’s failings as well as his personal and professional successes. While he denies the rape charge, that doesn’t mean the film isn’t true to the facts as they’re known.

As for Mike Tyson The Fighter: He was easily the most exciting and dominant heavyweight since Ali, and the only heavyweight of the past 40 years to bring major charisma and attention to the once-great sport of boxing.

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