July 2023

Big George Foreman
By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations
This
biographical
sports drama
provides the world a look
at his entire life. Overcoming a childhood of
poverty and being bullied to becoming one of
the most promising young boxers in the world.
Foreman suffered a near death experience in
the ring at a match in San Juan, Puerta Rico
in 1977 and vowed to never box again. “I laid
in the dressing room and Jesus Christ came
alive in me and I was given another chance to
live and have been doing it ever since.”
He first tried working the Gospel on the
sidewalks of Houston, then opened the Church
of the Lord Jesus Christ and a youth center.
When Foreman discovered his financial
adviser had misappropriated his money and
his youth center might have to close, he sold
his prized possessions and signed autographs
to raise money. But it wasn’t enough!
“Right then I decided I was going to go back
and become the oldest heavyweight champion at 45. That was how I
was going to get money for my youth center.”
Mary Joan (his fifth wife) was not a fan
of him going back in the ring after 20 years
but eventually supported him and, you know
the rest… he became world champion.
They remain married today and George still
preaches at a Baptist Church.
The movie briefly mentions the ever popular
“grill” in passing but Foreman made millions
in royalties from the grill between 1994 and
1999. He then sold the rights to his name for
$138 million.
Director George Tillman Jr. did a great job in
picking a little known actor Khris Davis. He did
an excellent portrayal of Foreman. He spent a
great deal of time with Foreman and at one
point during filming had to gain 50 pounds in
five weeks as Foreman.
My favorite reviews are true stories and
without exception, I vote 5 out of 5 stars for
“The Big George Foreman.”
Renee Riendeau is the movie reviewer for The Vegas Voice. Renee can
be reached at rriendeau@aol.com and is anxious to hear from you.
11