User reviews

Fight Night is a true story about a huge armed robbery at a star studded after party following Muhammad Ali beating Jerry Quarry in a boxing match that was Ali's first match after the whole draft dodging incident. It has All-Star cast who are all at the top of their game here and all given enough screen time to shine. The show currently has a well deserved 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. The entire cast is great but I have to point out two performances specifically. Samuel L. Jackson has had so many great and memorable roles over his hall of fame career and this is one of his better ones. He is fantastic in every scene. The other is Kevin Hart. Hart usually plays the same funny character in most of his movies but he brings a total different performance here and absolutely kills it. Then there's Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard and Tarija P. Henson who are all as good as ever.

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a thrilling ride from the very start. It brings together one of the most talented ensemble casts of any show this year. It has a bunch of A-List movie stars at their best that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Kevin Hart, Tarija P. Henson, Terrence Howard, among others. It's impossible for a show to be bad with a cast like that, at the very least you're going to get good acting performances. There are also plenty of other great performances from lesser known actors which makes this show so good. But this is more than just the acting...the writing, production, directing, etc are all great. The terrific script gives all these stars a chance to do what they do best and I wouldn't be surprised to see some of these actors get nominated for their performances come award season.

Pretty good script, gripping story, all star cast, my biggest gripe is ALI!! This has to be the worst casting choice by far. This is really where it dropped the ball. The guy looks nothing like Ali, I could forgive it if he at least embodied him in cadence, or tone, he didn't. They should have looked for a better option. Don Cheadle , Samuel Jackson, Terrance Howard, Kevin Hart, all kill it. All in all very enjoyable and worth a watch, but reallly. Absolute worst Ali of all time, and he has been played by a lot of different people. You wonder if the casting director was too young to know or care about Ali.

Kevin Hart and Will Packer should team up again and make more movies. The cast is phenomenal. The acting is fantastic. The writers are incredible. I'm enjoying every episode of this production.

This is one of the best series, I've seen this year. I recommend, this series if you are looking for an entertaining show. It takes me back to my childhood when blaxploitation movies were all the rage.

It's for sure a gangster movie, but you still get some lines that make you laugh. The majority of the movie is serious.

We currently live in a world of remakes and this is not that. Even if they used the blueprint of uptown saturday night blaxploitation movie, it's still stands on its own as a great movie.

You know as series is phenomenal when the moment that it's over, you're immediately looking for the next release of the next episode. I haven't seen something this good in quite a long time. The storytelling is beyond phenomenal. I can't tell how much is true and how much is fictional so it makes me also want to do some research into the history on the story in the narrative. This is an absolute masterpiece the way the story is told combine with the music, combine with it story and just the overall acting. The guy who plays the character of Muhammad Ali, did a fantastic job, and that's quite a hard character to master. There are so much depth within each character arc that you just love the show. I can't wait for the next one and I hope that it can continue for five more episodes.

The show was pretty good until the last episode; had it not been so obtuse I might have given 8 or 9 stars. The series stars (and is produced) by Kevin Hart and the cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson, and her Hustle & Flow castmate, Terrance Howard. The story takes place in 1970 in Atlanta the scene of a heavyweight boxing match with Muhamad Ali facing Jerry Quarry. It is based (loosley) on actual events. It stars Hart, known as "Chicken Man" who is a small time numbers runner and self-described entrepreneur who tries to organized a party with all of the country's biggest Black Gangsters who are in town for the fight. Cheadle plays an Atlanta cop who is assigned to be a bodyguard for Ali who arrested Chicken Man years earlier which resulted in a perison term.

While Chicken Man is putting together the party, there are others who plan to rob the party and now use Chicken Man as a fall guy. The story now is how to find the true robbers because everyone thinks Chicken Man was behind the robbery, the police and the big gangsters. Each episode was better than the previous one until episode 8, the finale. It was silly, unblieveable, and rushed. All in all I still agve it 7 stars. It is a watchable series in my opinion.

Kevin Hart's 'Fight Night...' is a promising addition to the black film landscape, showcasing a talented ensemble cast and a captivating storyline. I told ya'll the Philly boy has acting chops! I may have been critical of his last few stand-up specials, but I Kevin can act indeed.

With Hart Beat Productions teamed up with Will Packer Productions again, I hope to continue to see films with strong scripts, strong actors and quality production value that showcases the black experience in its many different facets. We deserve better than we get from Tyler P's revolving battered woman syndrome and low budget Tubi productions.

The stereotypical portrayal of Clifton Powell's 'Mush Mouth' and a few other mob boss characters like Boone, Tex, and Bunker feel overly caricatured. Look, I get that it is an ode to the blaxploitation era, and I'm a huge fan of period pieces, but the only believable figures of the interstate bosses are David Banner, Terrance Howard and of course, Sam Jackson. They can feel out of place in an otherwise well-crafted film.

Anyway, I'm wondering how Kevin got all these heavy hitters in one project, like Don Cheadle, Tarija P. Henson, Terrance and Sam? Not to mention he put together a talented cast of heist bandits who are all rising stars in their own right. Overall, I'm loving this mini-series, and I hope it's just the beginning of many more strong stories to come from Hart Beat Productions; especially in a time when Hollywood seems all too interested in remakes than original stories. You did that Kevin!

First off, wow-what an amazing cast! The sheer amount of talent in the actors and actresses involved made this even more difficult to critique. With such a talented ensemble, I expected nothing less than perfection, which is why it was disappointing to see such a glaring oversight in the script. The dialogue just doesn't match the time period the mini-series was aiming for. At any point, did anyone stop and say, "Hey, somethings off and this doesn't feel right?" This inconsistency in language made it difficult to fully immerse myself in what should have been a home-run.

For me, the biggest draw to period pieces is the way they transport you back in time-not just visually, but through how characters speak, think, and interact with the world around them. This mini-series missed the mark in that aspect, which was unfortunate. That said, it's still entertaining in its own right, with strong performances and high production values.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best series I've seen in years. The cast is exceptional, and the writing is top-notch. While Kevin Hart shines in his role, it's the supporting cast that truly keeps the show afloat. Samuel delivers at his absolute best, Don Cheadle is fantastic, and Taraji steals the spotlight at times. What makes this series special, though, is the seamless chemistry among all the actors. With great suspense and compelling storytelling, it's a definite hit. The pacing is perfect, and the performances are outstanding. This is truly great television. I have to admit, I was initially skeptical, but I couldn't have been more wrong-I was completely hooked from start to finish. Bravo!"

Why is he in literally everything lately, the guy has zero acting ability, he just acts like himself in every film, and he comes across just how many people in hollywood have said, completely arrogant, for no reason.

Meanwhile the rest of the cast are amazing actors... I'd love to see someone like. Jamie Fox, this show would easily be a 10...

With Hart's lack of acting, and likeability, I can't give it above a 7. I really tried to look past his acting, but it's so bad, i just kept hoping for other actors to have more screen time..

The set, wardrobe, hair, cars, even the houses, etc all look amazing. As well as the cinematography.

However put this together, besides Hart, clearly is a real craftsman. Hopefully see more similar projects, but maybe with a few key changes Hart also was terrible in Borderlands recently as well. I mean if you took the character he portrayed in that sci-fi film and compared to his character in this tv show, and you have exactly, and I mean exactly the same character...

I've seen countless heist films, but this one stands out as one of the most thrilling and star-studded experiences I've had this year.

Set against the backdrop of Muhammad Ali's 1970s era, this series offers a fresh and captivating narrative I never knew existed.

The performances are nothing short of exceptional. Every actor, from the leads to the supporting cast, delivers a powerhouse performance that brings their characters to life. The dialogue and accents are spot-on, immersing viewers in the authenticity of the time period.

With a series of heart-pounding climaxes, this show is a must-watch for fans of heist films and historical dramas alike. It's a masterfully crafted piece that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end."

Hope there will be a season 2.

This is a great show! Do not listen to the negative reviews on this one. This is a star-studded cast and the acting is superb. I've never been much of a Kevin Hart fan. Especially his stand up. I think it's terrible and he's one of the worst comedians in history, but I got to hand it to him on this one, he did his thing. I think Kevin Hart is at his best when he is playing a more serious role with a little bit of Comedy sprinkled in here and there. It's crazy to say it, but Kevin Hart is not good and comedy roles. Don Cheadle and Samuel L Jackson we're also terrific in this series. I highly recommend watching this show. It is just good old-fashioned fun!

I waited to watch until I had at least the first four episodes to binge and wished I had waited to watch them all in one or two viewings. I couldn't wait for the next episodes! The all star cast was superb, including Kevin Hart. Not one disappointed. Henson stole almost each scene she was in and Jackson owned his. Cheadle and Howard kill it, as always. The clothes, cars and hair styles are authentic. I grew up in the 70's and it was like being transported back in time.

The plot was great and the story riveting. The line "not my first rodeo" was distracting since I think it was first said years after this time period.

I was shocked to see the average score being so low on IMDB so I read the reviews. Taking stars away for commercials or lack of diversity in an all black story is asinine. The series is fantastic.

I did remove a star because the character of Ali was so poorly cast he looked ridiculous. His scenes were silly and cartoonish. If you can't find someone who looks anything like the real person, how about someone who at least sounds like him.

Other than that, perfection.

Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist is an exhilarating TV show that combines the thrill of high-stakes boxing with the suspense of a heist. The storyline follows a group of people whom are struggling, who come together for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull off a daring robbery during a major boxing event. Each episode is packed with intense action, clever strategies, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricately woven, making it a must-watch for fans of both sports and crime dramas. First Time I felt Kevin Hart has taken on a more serious role in his career. The show's production quality is top-notch, with realistic fighting/action scenes and a gripping narrative that hooks you from the start. Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist delivers a knockout punch of entertainment definitely recommend it!

I just finished watching this very well written miniseries with Kevin Hart as a lead.

It was a privilege to watch so many brilliant actors and actresses together in one movie. I will watch it again. Lots of funny lines. The wardrobe and wigs are so accurate. The cast were all perfect for their roles as if it was written for each of them.

We laughed out loud.

Kelvin Hart was so entertaining and really convincing as Chicken.

I recommend if you wanna see a funny miniseries based on real people with a good ending watch Friday Night (The Heist) .

Yes, the commercials are annoying Take a seat.

End.

I signed up just to write a review really 😂. Whoever gave this a less than 10 or perfect review was having a bad day. Kevin Hart put on a superb performance. Funny but not too funny that you don't take him serious. I mean Don Cheadle and Samuel J.was legendary like always. Terrance Howard and. Taraji was phenomenal. The story based around Ali was nothing short of excellent. My guy Clifton Powell was hilarious. I will definitely watch it again and who knows how many other times. This is a MUST WATCH! It's great up until the very last end. You will not be disappointed. Don't believe any bad reviews.

Fight Night: The Stars of a 70's Heist Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is the stylish and entertaining crime drama of 1970s Atlanta. It is actually a story of ambitious individuals planning a daring heist in the midst of one of the most high-profile boxing matches.

The stellar cast featuring Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Don Cheadle brings in some really good performances, and it has plenty of 70s nostalgia. The series really captures the era's fashion, music, and cultural atmosphere in a very vibrant and immersive way.

The plot is engaging, although sometimes unbalanced, in that it feels slow-paced at one point and rushes through other episodes. Furthermore, exposition is at times overdone, making the pace drag down the storyline.

These are minute flaws, though. Otherwise, Fight Night is such a fun, well-crafted show; you've got a thrill ride through this criminal underworld in 1970s Atlanta. Definitely a must-see if you're into heist movies and period dramas.

It was a very good series from start to end, led by a very strong African-American cast giving top performances.

Samuel L. Jackson always gives strong performances, but this one as a top NY Mafia leaders is among his best. Chicken man is also the strongest performance I have seen from Kevin Hart. Enjoyed seeing both of the War Machines fighting each other. Also how they emphasize how disconnected Mohamed Ali's wealthy existence is different from most of everyone else from his race, yet showing him down to Earth in that he preferred taking jail time to hurt another minority. Who knew so much happened in that after party after his Vietnam Jail comeback. Ali's refusal to go to the controversial War in Vietnam still remains heroic to this day. Look even if it was a more supported War, the decision to draft Mohamed Ali was entirely about race. At the time Ali was one of the few African Americans that was allowed to be successful and the wrong people couldn't stand it. There's of course a lot of honor in military service, but the way they were using the military service against Ali there, obviously ran against such. Because there it wasn't about the army, but rather the worst people trying to send one of the most positive African American role models into a possible Death sentence, it was a mockery of the freedom the real soldiers fought for. Really made the racial perspective interesting.

Many of the thieves and female characters are played by people I am unfamiliar with, but also give really good performances.

I can see they took some liberties, but the show is really strong.

This first season of fight night exceeded expectations.

I say this in hoping there's going to be a second season.

The best of actors and actresses, the story was written like a masterpiece.

Loved the soundtrack and 1970's vibe.

One of my favorite all time shows ever produced.

The twist at every turn made the next episode that much more exciting to the point you could not wait for the next episode.

The clothing down to the buildings and background down to the vehicles was spot on.

Every episode kept you on the edge of your seat to the point you could not wait to see what the next episode would bring.

This is a must see.

Great mini series with a great twist. Hopefully there will be a spin off on Chicken Man and show more about his life prior to and after this incident. Sam Jackson as Frank Motel was Sam Jackson as always with a stellar performance. Taraji P. Henson as Vivian Thomas was excellent in her role as well. Terrence Howard as Cadillac Richie set the stage with the hair. Don Cheadle really played the role as Detective Hudson to perfection. If Kevin Hart could go back and show how Gordon Williams became Chicken Man and where he got that name from. It's a great portrayal of the robbery that occurred during Ali's first fight post suspension.

The Intersection of Crime, Culture, and History in "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist"

Introduction

"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist," a Peacock Original series, serves as a compelling exploration of a significant event in American history-the armed robbery that transpired on the night of Muhammad Ali's much-anticipated comeback fight in 1970s Atlanta. Drawing inspiration from a true-crime podcast, the miniseries not only recounts the mechanics and dynamics of the heist but also engages with the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the characters' motives and the societal environment of the time. This thesis critically examines the multiple layers of storytelling within the series, the portrayal of its characters, and the broader implications of crime narratives in the media.

Chapter 1: Contextualizing the 1970s Atlanta

To understand the significance of "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist," one must first contextualize the era in which it takes place. The 1970s were a tumultuous time in America, marked by social upheaval, changing dynamics of race relations, and the burgeoning influence of African American culture. Atlanta, known as the seat of the civil rights movement, serves as a microcosm of this change, revealing deeper societal undercurrents at play during the setting of the heist. This chapter will explore the historical landscape of Atlanta as it pertains to crime, race, and the impact of sports on community identity.

Chapter 2: The True-Crime Narrative and Its Appeal

"Fight Night" must be understood as part of the broader genre of true-crime narratives that have surged in popularity in recent years. This chapter delves into the mechanics of storytelling that define the true-crime genre, and how "Fight Night" capitalizes on this format. It will analyze the narrative structure, the use of drama versus factual recounting, and the psychological appeal that true-crime stories have on audiences. This will include a discussion of why the intersection of crime with iconic cultural events-such as a boxing match featuring Muhammad Ali-magnifies interest and engagement.

Chapter 3: Character Development and the Ethics of Portrayal

Central to the series is its cast, featuring high-profile actors such as Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Terrence Howard. This chapter will examine the character arcs presented within the series, analyzing how each character embodies the complexities of morality, identity, and survival in a challenging socio-political environment. The portrayal of these characters raises important ethical questions regarding the romanticization of criminality and the humanization of individuals involved in the heist. Through a careful analysis of character motivations, this section will explore the narrative's stance on crime, desperation, and systemic failure.

Chapter 4: The Police as Both Hero and Villain

In "Fight Night," the depiction of law enforcement reflects broader societal tensions surrounding authority and justice. This chapter will investigate the representation of police in the series, examining the duality of their role as both hero and villain. It will analyze the detectives' dogged pursuits of justice and their methods, contrasting them against the desperation driving the suspects to commit the heist. Additionally, this section will engage with questions of representation-how race and class dynamics shape the narrative of law enforcement in crime dramas and the implications these portrayals have on public perception.

Chapter 5: Cultural Relevance and Audience Reception

The finale of the thesis will assess the cultural relevance of "Fight Night" in contemporary society. It will consider how the themes of the series resonate with current issues surrounding crime, race, and justice in America. This chapter will also analyze audience reception, looking at critical reviews, social media discourse, and audience engagement metrics. The examination will highlight how historical events are reinterpreted and recontextualized in modern media, fostering discussions on accountability, justice, and the continuous cycle of crime amid societal inequities.

Conclusion

"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" is more than simply a crime drama miniseries; it serves as a rich text for exploring the interplay between crime, culture, and societal change. By situating the narrative within the socio-historical framework of 1970s Atlanta, the series invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, justice, and morality, presenting a compelling commentary on the nature of crime and its reflection of deeper societal issues. As such, the series not only entertains but educates, fostering critical engagement with America's past and present-a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of complex realities.

I saw Kevin's face on the screen cover and immediately rebuffed it for weeks as some bull. This was a sad mistake. It is it the best thing he has done without a shadow of a doubt. The casting for this is wild, I couldn't get enough of the plot and performances so binged it in a single sitting.

It isn't the routine predictable foolishness you might be expecting, there is plenty going on with plot threads and real effort has gone into the writing, characters, pacing and presentation. Everyone gets to shine. This is very evident when it gradually begins to tie itself together nicely into a sophisticated and satisfying conclusion which didn't at all unfold in the way I expected it would.

Please don't let any second-hand opinions sway you away from this rollercoaster of entertainment. Give it a chance and you'll be glad you had. I'd written Kevin Hart off completely with his same old tired, idiot comedy roles over and over, but this is has pushed him into the beginning of a whole new lane.

Also, a mention to all involved in the production. The makeup, wardrobe, set design, sound mixing, grading, title graphics and soundtrack were not taken for granted here. All top notch. Will watch this again.