'Tyson' review

Mike Tyson (Credit: Larry McConkey/Sony Classics)

The punchy title says it all. This no-holds-barred documentary about controversial former World Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson tracks the boxing phenom's extraordinary rise from Brooklyn juvenile delinquent to celebrated worldwide slugger, and then his spectacular plunge into notoriety following a tabloid-ready divorce, rape charges, prison time and one very chewy ear.

The buzz: Director James Toback ("Black and White," Two Girls and a Guy") has been a personal friend of Tyson's for over 20 years, and the filmmaker gained tremendous access, from candid interviews with Tyson to rare archival footage of his early boxing days.

The verdict: The "knockout" puns practically write themselves. "Tyson" is an eye-popper, creating a fascinating portrait that's both savage and sympathetic. It's told entirely in the first person as Tyson narrates his story through interviews with Toback, and reveals himself to be incredibly articulate and perceptive—a complete disconnect from his boorish public persona. This lays the groundwork for some truly intimate and emotional moments, including a disarming recollection of his tough childhood in Brooklyn, and the former champ choking up while talking about his late mentor-guardian, Cus D'Amato. And yet Tyson also comes across very suspect: He's sheepishly contrite when discussing his failed marriage to Robin Givens ("We were young," he dismisses), and indignant when addressing the rape charges. Even when you've seen his softer side, Tyson remains under the shadow of the brute savagery that once brought him greatness.

Did you know: Throughout the film, Tyson lets loose some terrific zingers, including the disclosure that he was suffering from gonorrhea when he battled—and beat—Trevor Berbick for the WBC Heavyweight title in 1986.

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