Mike Tyson’s Punch-out

If the idea of seeing Mike Tyson’s side of his story seems as errantly gross as watching him gnaw on the ear of Evander Holyfield, then James Toback’s critically-acclaimed 2008 documentary Tyson—out now on DVD—is not for you. But the thing is, the former heavyweight’s life has been as fascinating as it has been tragic, even if his rather hilarious role in the biggest hit of the year, The Hangover, hasn’t shaken either from the minds of the public. Born in Brooklyn and locked up early on theft charges, Tyson took up boxing in prison as a hobby. Soon he was out and found a mentor in an old trainer named “Cus” D’Amato. Of course, just like when Mickey died in Rocky III and the Italian Stallion lost his way, Tyson without D’Amato was Tyson off the rails. In came Don King, Robin Givens, assault and rape charges, more jail time, and the ear incident. Toback uses archival footage and new interviews with Tyson to construct a blurred vision of one of the most controversial figures of our time and the last true superstar boxer. Rated R.