Synopsis:

A mixture of original interviews and archival footage and photographs sheds light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson.

The Freak's Rating: B- : My father was very typical when it came to how he spent his Saturday nights. Before Vince McMahon created pay per view and ended up making millions from it, boxing used to be on HBO every saturday night. I can recall many nights spent sitting in the living room while my father watched boxing, some of those fights with Iron Mike Tyson.

Tyson was a phenomenon when he hit the boxing circuit, destroying everyone in his path and looking like a beast in the ring. His career soured dramatically in the late 1990s and sadly it put a poor mark on what the man did in the ring and for the sport. Boxing needs heroes and though Tyson was far from a hero, he put a face with the sport...one that everyone feared and respected.

The documentary is primarily a set of interviews conducted with Tyson at his Las Vegas home, recounting his entire career and life. Though Tyson is difficult to understand at times, the documentary is pieced together nicely to paint a true picture of the man in all his glory as a fighter and accurately portray his demise in the ring as well.

This is essential viewing for a boxing fan, but those who aren't may want to pass. Though interesting, there is some repetition here as a "woe is me" tone can be seen/heard from time to time throughout the documentary. As a fan of the sport and someone who still says he is one of the greatest to ever step in the ring, I did enjoy it enough to give a recommendation to anyone who thinks they might as well.

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