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Soul Power
A pretty well composed documentary of a concert and an abortive Boxing title match between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman in which Ali attempts to regain his championship after much difficulty with the Boxing Commission in the US. The boxing match doesn't happen as scheduled and is not covered in the film. The musical event does go on as scheduled and is shown as a kind of soulful Woodstock in Zaire. The clothes are classic 70's, flowered bell bottoms and neckties that look like dinner napkins, as well as the footage of a young BB King makes it all worth the price of admission; not to mention the antics of Ali ranting about white oppression and waxing semi-poetically re his boxing ability. You can't help but like the guy even if he is sometimes a pain, If you're a soul music fan and or interested in histroical events of the 70's you'll appreciate this film. If these are not your cup of tea, it may not ring your chimes.
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
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Written July 20, 2009
Original buzz:
Powerful, Soulful--Soul Power Rocks
Highlights: Ray Barretto jamming in the street with African drummers, BB King jamming on the plane (on acoustic) with Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, and other members of the Fania All-Stars; BB getting DOWN on the funkiest version of "The Thrill is Gone" ever; Manu Dibango jamming on soprano sax in the streets, doing call and response with African kids;; a smokin' (but edited too short) version of Celia doing "Quimbara" featuring Ray Barretto and Nicky Marrero drum solos; Muhammed Ali's various rants; James Brown's "Cold Sweat"; The Crusaders with Larry Carlton on guitar; Sivuca backing Miriam Makeba; Bill Withers - just his guitar and voice -- sweet and moving; and more--in other words, this movie is one of the best concert films of all time. My only complaint is that all of the songs are edited--a lot. Hopefully, there will be a box set available containing full versions of as much of the music as possible.
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
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1 out of 4 found this review helpful
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