Review: One Night In Miami – “Flows well from beginning to end”

Playwright turned Screenwriter Kemp Powers is a man on the rise, not unlike a young Cassius Clay about to become Muhammad Ali in One Night In Miami.

Powers seems poised to dominate Awards Shows in 2021 with not one, but TWO hot properties.  Disney Pixar’s ‘Soul’, and the movie adaption of his own original play of the same name, ‘One Night In Miami’.

Like Powers, Clay is on the brink; about to achieve all that he has dreamed about and worked for.  On this night, we begin to see Clay and the others start to look at what’s next.

The Plot – One Night In Miami

Right off the top, One Night In Miami says it.  “Inspired by true events.”  Important to keep in mind about a fictionalized night out with four real, larger-than-life figures, after the soon-to-be Muhammad Ali won his first Heavy Weight Championship of the World.

Our film opens with the future champ on the rise in 1963.  Cassius Clay fighting in England against an outclassed opponent.  Eli Goree channels the spirit and physicality of an overconfident Clay as he eeks out a win.

Leslie Odom, Jr. plays the “King of Soul”, Sam Cooke.  Sam is about to fulfil a life-long dream to sing at The Copacabana.  Already a highly successful recording artist, he still must deal with slights not befitting an artist of his stature.

Kingsley Ben-Adir plays Malcolm X, a man at a crossroads.  Malcolm X is at the fore of the Civil Rights movement, but about to go through major changes in his professional and personal life as well.  He’s a spiritual leader and friends with Cassius Clay, but struggles to provide for his wife and kids.

February 25, 1964.  22 year old Cassius Clay fights Sonny Liston for the Heavyweight Championship of the World.  Malcolm X, Clay’s spiritual advisor and quasi big brother, watches and takes pictures of the fight.  NFL Great Jim Brown provides commentary ringside between filming movies and a grueling NFL schedule.  Sam Cooke also attends.

After the fight, Cassius Clay is World Champion.  Cassius, Malcolm, Jim, and Sam all gather at a hotel room to celebrate.  Jim and Sam wonder where everyone else is.  Malcolm informs them it’s just the four of them, so they can have a conversation.

The Good

The movie ‘One Night In Miami’ is a film adaptation of the play ‘One Night In Miami’.  Both play and movie written by Kemp Powers, ‘Miami’ jumps off the screen.

Each of our four main characters represents a unique voice specific to the real life person they are playing. Each of the four perspectives reflect different approaches to their common challenges.

Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Malcolm X is the activist, the crusader, looking to add these powerful figures as soldiers in his quest.  Eli Goree’s Cassius Clay is the brashly confident champion courting fame and the American public, as he looks up to Malcolm like a big brother. 

Leslie Odom, Jr.’s Sam Cooke is the pragmatist with a foot in both worlds, trying and succeeding professionally, but not looking to rock the boat.  Aldis Hodge’s Jim Brown is the man at the top of his game, but knows it won’t last forever.  Not afraid to speak his mind, he’s more concerned about staying on top in a new career than changing the world around him.

Malcolm is the wet blanket to Cassius, Jim, and Sam’s celebration.  While trying to sell them a more active role in the movement, Malcolm must sneak out to check on his family, and the government agents following him.  He even must worry about his own body guards.  He has every reason to seek allies for his upcoming battles.  But are they up to it?

Each unique position sparks reluctant debate.  Malcolm versus Sam.  Malcolm versus Jim.  Even, Malcolm versus Cassius.  Even group discussions pop between the four titans.

Each man’s journey may be unique, but each share a common struggle.  By the end, each figure is in a different place from where he started the night.

The Bad

Nothing

The Review – One Night In Miami

Director Regina Hall expands the 90 minute play into a two hour movie, adding size and scale while retaining the intimate energy and flow of the conversation between our characters.  She balances the dynamic conversations perfected on the stage with the visual and pacing needs of a film.

All four of our leads perfectly embody the historical figures they’re playing. Kingsley Ben-Adir is especially worthy of note.  His portrayal of Malcolm X must stand up with not just with the real life Malcolm X, but with Denzel Washington’s Oscar Nominated portrayal of Malcolm X from 1992.

Eli Goree’s take on one of the most recognizable figures in sports history also deserves mention.  Goree brings nuance to the bravado, and depth to the soundbites.

Lance Reddick also shows up as Kareem X, the physical embodiment of the organization Malcolm both represents and fears.

One Night In Miami flows well from beginning to end, successfully adapts a stage production to the big screen without losing anything in translation, and allows the actors to shine in their roles.  All while exploring a topic as prescient then as today.

Sure to garner multiple Oscar Nominations on March 15, don’t be surprised if you see Regina King and Kingsley Ben-Adir walk away with trophies during the ceremony in April.  Well worth watching.  Go see this BEFORE the nominations.

Rated-R, 114 Minutes

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Additional Information

www.imdb.com/title/tt10612922