Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth

"This is my story, my mistakes, my heartaches, my joy, my sorrow, my gift, my life, my undisputed truth." Mike Tyson's story has actually been told in documentaries before, most notably in James Toback's 2008 Tyson (VL Online-8/09), but this one-man stage show—written by Tyson's wife, Kiki, and directed for the stage and video by Spike Lee—presents Tyson alone, sharing his professional life and personal journey through stories, remembrances, and reflections. Tyson is no actor or standup comedian, but he is an entertaining raconteur who energizes the production (which transpires on a bare stage with photos projected on a backdrop) with a dynamic physical performance and an easy sense of humor that helps offset some of the darker material. Tyson is not shy about delving into his troubled past (including his violent episodes out of the ring, his rape conviction and prison time, and his drug addiction) and he still holds a grudge against his first wife Robin Givens and manager Don King, but this is ultimately a story of redemption from the perspective of a centered, happy, and healthy family man who is now four years clean and sober. It's not theater per se, but more like An Evening With… collection of stories told with a mix of confessional and breezy storytelling. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Likely to appeal primarily to Tyson fans, this is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)