The Great White Hype
When the champ's promoter, Rev. Sultan, decides something new is needed to boost the marketability of the boxing matches, he searches and finds the only man to ever beat the champ. The problem is that he isn't a boxer anymore and he's white. However, once Rev. Sultan convinces him to fight, he goes into heavy training while the confident champ takes it easy and falls out of shape.
Critics Sentiment
Terry Conklin fronts heavy metal band and preaches Buddhism in Cleveland
Mitchell Kane abandons his crusade and joins Sultan's corrupt operation
The film peaks with Peter Berg's charming portrayal of the idealistic challenger but crashes when Jeff Goldblum's widely criticized performance dominates the screen.
The Great White Hype maintains middling reception throughout most of its runtime, with reviewers appreciating the boxing corruption satire and Samuel L. Jackson's performance while criticizing forced comedy and uneven execution. The film peaks during Peter Berg's introduction as the peaceful challenger but suffers significantly during Jeff Goldblum's scenes and the anticlimactic fight itself. Despite having a talented cast and sharp insights into boxing promotion, the movie fails to deliver consistent laughs or a satisfying payoff.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 49
Samuel L. Jackson
Rev. Fred Sultan
Jeff Goldblum
Mitchell Kane
Peter Berg
Terry Conklin
Corbin Bernsen
Peter Prince
Jon Lovitz
Sol
Cheech Marin
Julio Escobar
John Rhys-Davies
Johnny Windsor
Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Bambi
Jamie Foxx
Hassan El Ruk'n
Damon Wayans
James "The Grim Reaper" Roper
Rocky Carroll
Artemus St. John Saint
Albert Hall
Roper's Manager
Michael Jace
Marvin Shabazz
Brian Setzer
Self
Method Man
Self
Art Evans
Minister
Duane Davis
Palace Guard #1
Lamont Johnson
Palace Guard #2
Lydell M. Cheshier
Palace Guard #3
Randy Harris
Palace Guard #4
Crew
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