Hey M. Mann...Why not Cuba?

[JonathanPowers]

I'm in the movie theater watching the "Coming Attraction" trailers.

A new trailer begins. Black on black screen. SUPER: "A Michael Mann film".

My mind goes from "Wow this is good popcorn" to "Oh sweet Jesus, a new Michael Mann film." My expectations soar through the roof. My life just got a little better. Micahel Mann is a god.

Then all of sudden, Will Smith appears. My hearts plumits to the floor.

Look, I like Smith as much as the next guy does. I have no problem with him doing "Men in Black" and an occasional action/thriller but this might be way to much.

I begin to rack my mind for a better cast. Requirments: Black, under 35 or so, star power. No comes to mind except Denzel, but he seems to old.

Then it dawns on me, Cuba, that is the Academy award winner Cuba, had to have turned down the scripts or Mann isn't as great as I think he is (which is pretty great). Why not Cuba? He meets all of the requiements to a T. He is a perfect cast for this film.

I will say this, after the trailer was over, I had a little bit more faith in Smith. The trailer did him some justice. He looks to be, adequate, I suppose.

I'm not writting of this film by any means. I'll be there on opening night. But WHY NOT CUBA? The only thing I can think of is he's to short. But they can shoot around that.

What do you guys think?

[Radewart]

I'm really looking forward to seeing Smith in this role. He looked good in the trailer!! Plus, I'm no longer a fan of Cuba Gooding Jr., after stuff like What Dreams May Come, Instinct, Men of Honor, and Rat Race. It looks like he doesn't turn anything down!! His next movie is a comedy where he accidentally ends up on a gay cruise ship!! Sounds like a winner!!

P.S. Will Smith was attached to Ali way before Michael Mann signed on, and anyways the real Muhummad Ali asked Smith to do the film!

[Obrotherrules]

Keep in mind that the idea (and, I'm guessing, the casting) was around way back, when Will Smith was actually bankable (remember WILD WILD WEST), and when Cuba was only credited with a fluke role, albeit Oscar-winning, in JERRY MAGUIRE, and was not yet a major star. Now, of course, with MEN OF HONOR and RAT RACE, Cuba has proven himself to be fairly bankable with a variety of roles (sorry Radewart, what you perceive as too much I see as spreading horizons). As for my pick in this movie, Smith is fine, considering he has the arrogance to pull it off; and if it weren't for his physique, this might be considered typecasting. Anyway...

[Benny]

I think Smith will make the perfect Ali and pull it off. I'd rather see him than Cuba Gooding Dumbass.