F.I.S.T.

Old fashioned Hollywood biopic is a clear fictionalisation of the Jimmy Hoffa story; while it's perhaps factually debatable, it's a terrific entertainment, with Stallone an unlikely but superb choice as the union leader, though it is Steiger who steals the film, masterfully underplaying the slimy senator on Stallone's tail. Excellent array of supporting players lend authenticity to the surrounding story elements, and Jewison's fiery direction helps sustain film well past the two hour mark.

Some of the acting was a bit uneven by pretty much all the actors at times. But, the biggest issue I had with the film was the pacing. The pacing dragged by at times and at other times seemingly important events were simply skipped or glossed over.

SPOILER ALERT: Presumably Sly watered down this character based on Hoffa to make him more sympathetic. Unlike Devito/Mamet's portrayal, there is little real ambiguity; Hoffa/Kovacs made a deal with the devil with good intentions and the devil came to collect. Overall, it is a simple old fashioned character piece with a decent turn by Sly and commendable period locations and details, but it's overlong, cliched, and loses its footing in the final act.