As far as boxing biographies go, "Ali" isn't the knockout that many of us were hoping for — or believed it should be.

Instead, this drama is way too long, too full of itself and — dare I say it? — ham-fisted.

Still, it's got just enough oomph to qualify as a victory by a split decision. (Though it definitely pales in comparison with the far superior and much more memorable 1996 documentary "When We Were Kings.")

And if nothing else, it's a triumph for Will Smith, who finally stretches out as a dramatic actor with his frighteningly accurate portrayal of the title character, beloved boxing champ and American folk hero Muhammad Ali.

The film covers the most "important" period in Ali's life — the decadelong span between his first reign as heavyweight champion in 1964 and his second reign in 1974.

As the film begins, we see the brash, 22-year-old Cassius Clay challenging the supposedly unbeatable champ Sonny Liston. Though the odds are against him, he manages to knock Liston down and wins when the champ fails to come out for the subsequent round.

That monumental victory wins the fighter the attention of adoring women and makes the Muslim a hero that the Nation of Islam can exploit. Consequently, he finds himself caught in a struggle between that organization's leaders, including Malcolm X (Mario Van Peebles).

At the same time, the recently renamed Ali finds himself targeted by the U.S. government. Under questionable circumstances, he's inducted into the U.S. Army — though he refuses to serve in Vietnam.

Staying true to his beliefs costs him dearly, though. Ali is no longer able to get fights in the states and is forbidden to travel outside the country while his legal status is being decided in the courts.

It's clear that director Michael Mann has fallen too much in love with this material. In particular, he lets several scenes run on too long and cuts short several others that might help explain some of the muddier plot developments.

As for his star, Smith might be missing some of the former champ's intensity, but he's got Ali's mannerisms down — including a faithful replication of his "floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee" boxing style and stance.

The supporting performers are solid, too, including Jamie Foxx in a rare dramatic turn, Jon Voight (as Howard Cosell) and Mykelti Williamson, whose Don King impression is good enough to merit more screen time.

"Ali" is rated R for violence (boxing, as well as an assassination), occasional use of strong profanity and racial epithets, gore, simulated sex and some crude sexual talk. Running time: 157 minutes.

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E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com