Don King Movies
Y Tu Mamá También star Diego Luna makes his directorial debut with this documentary tracing the life and career of Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez. From his very first bouts to his unforgettable matches against such formidable opponents as Oscar De La Hoya and Kostya Tszyu, Luna's film merges past and present by following the legendary Chavez as he prepares for retirement and begins training son Julio César Chávez, Jr. to carry on the fighting family tradition. It isn't every day that a boy who spent his youth in a boxcar in Mexico rises through the ranks to become a six-time world champion, yet somehow Chávez managed to beat the odds to become one the most respected boxers in the history of the sport. Interviews with the pugilist's family and friends reveal the fascinating details about Chávez's rise from poverty, with an examination of the fighter's questionable association with Mexican president Vicente Fox and an ill-conceived "farewell tour" highlighting how social controversy can be as devastating as even the most solid left hook. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1988
This documentary features the memorable 1988 championship match between boxers Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks. The contest lasted only 91 seconds (making it the fourth shortest bout in boxing history) and Tyson retained his heavyweight title. Extensive pre- and post-fight analyses are included. The program also offers a look at other famous matches that ended with first-round knockouts. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Puppets are the featured performers in this volume of parodies and skits from the Krofft brothers. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1986
The Temptations make a surprise appearance in the teaser for this episode, which focuses appropriately enough on the world of music (for a while, anyway). David (Bruce Willis) has purchased a pair of symphony tickets from a shady character whom he met on the street. Unfortunately, those tickets were stolen--and now both David and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) are up to their necks in international intrigue, thanks to a most inquisitive FBI agent (Linda Thorson). The story also involves the assassination of a Russian prizefighter--which explains the presence of Don King! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
With a script that is too anemic for the red-blooded actors featured here, this anorexic comedy moves slowly up and down the corporate ladder with the fortunes and misfortunes of several company men. Jack Issel (Judge Reinhold) gets a VIP position at INC in the PR department (business-speak). Suddenly the corporation's shady activities come to the fore -- especially when a U.S. plant is set to close for a move south of the border where labor is almost free. Enmeshed in these tangles, Jack is hardly prepared to fall in love with the leading activist against the plant closing -- but he does. Meanwhile, a lot of other subplots quickly dispose of potentially budding villains like Stedman (Danny DeVito) the inside trader -- too bad. DeVito and Don King (appearing as himself) would have made a great team. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judge Reinhold, Eddie Albert, (more)
- 1983
- R
Fred Williamson produced and directed The Last Fight, but he didn't take the starring role. That honor is reserved for singer Ruben Blades, playing a chronic gambler who turns to prizefighting to pay off his debts. He rises to the top of the pugilistic world, disregarding the warnings of his doctor and the admonitions of his girlfriend. He then meets his match in the form of real-life boxer Salvador Sanchez (who died in an auto accident not long after this film was completed). Controversial boxing promoter Don King also plays a cameo in this agreeable Rocky wannabe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rubén Blades, Fred Williamson, (more)
